The thousand and one nights, or, The Arabian nights' entertainments

T HE

THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS,

OR THE

ENTERTAINMENTS.

A NEW EDITION,

ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS,
FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS.

B

CROSBY

117

:
D NICHOLS.

STKELT.

NEW YOR^OLIVER S. FELT

CONTENTS.

Scbaliriar and Schahzenan 7

The Ox, the Ass, and the Farmer 10

The Merchant and the Genie 13

The Old Man and the Hind 15

Story of the Old Man and the two Black Dogs 16

Story of the Fisherman 17

Story of the Grecian King and the Physician Douban 19

History of the King of the Black Isles 25

Story of the Three Calendars, Sons of Kings, and of the Five

Ladies of Bagdad 30

History of the first Calendar 35

History of the second Calendar 37

Story of the Envious Man, and of him that he envied 41

History of the third Calendar 46

History of Zobeide 53

History of Amine 56

The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor 59

Sindband's First Voyage 60

Sindbad's Second Voyage 61

Sindbad's Third Voyage 64

Sindbad's Fourth Voyage 68

Sindbad's Fifth Voyage . 72

Sindbad's Sixth Voyage , . ... 75

Siudbad's Seventh Voyage 78

History of the Three Apples 80

Story of Noureddin Ali and Bedreddin Hassan 84

Story of Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp 98

Story of Little Hunchback 122

The Story told by the Christian Merchant 125

The Story told by the Purveyor , 129

The Story told by the Jewish Physician 134

8 CONTENTS.

PACK.

The Story told by the Tailor 139

Story of the Barber 143

Story of the Barber's Eldest Brother 144

Story of the Barber's Second Brother 145

Story of the Barber's Third Brother 147

Story of the Barber's Fourth Brother 150

Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother. 151

Story of the Barber's Sixth Brother 155

History of Aboulhassen All Eben Becar, and Schernselnihar, favor-
ite of the caliph Haroun Alraschid 158

rustory of Camaralzaman, Prince of Khaledan, and Badoura, Prin-
cess of China 167

Story of the Princess Badoura, after her separation from Prince

Camaralzarnan 181

Story of the Princes Amgrad and Assad 187

Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian 200

Story of Beder, Prince of Persia, and Giahaure, Princess of Saman-

dal 214

History of Ganem, son to Abon Ayoub, surnamed Love's Slave. . 232

History of Prince Zeyn Alasnam, and the King of the Genii 242

History of Codadad and his Brothers 251

History of the Princess of Deryabar 255

Story of the Sleeper awakened, or the Dead alive 264

Adventures of the caliph Haroun Alraschid 284

Story of the Blind Man, Baba Abdallah 285

Story of Sidi Nonman 2*9

Story of Cogia Hassan Alhabdal 294

Story of Ali Baba, and the Forty Thieves 302

Story of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Bagdad 312

History of the Enchanted Horse 316

Story of Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Paribanon 325

Story of Habib and Dorathil-goase, or the Arabian Knight 312

Story of Illabousatrous, of King Schal-Goase, and of Camaralza-
man 354

Story of the Lady of the Beautiful Tresses 408

Story of the Princess Parizade, or the Talking Bird, the Singing

Tree, and the Yellow Water 457

Conclusion . . 408

N the death of Schemseddin Mohammed, king of
Persia, Schahriar, his eldest son, succeeded to the
I throne. This prince, though hasty and violent in
his temper, had many virtues. He had the truest
affection for his youngest brother, Schahzenan ; and
on receiving the empire, instead of suffering him to languish
in obscurity, he gave his beloved brother the powerful king-
dom of great Tartary ; and sent him to take possession of it,
with a splendor suitable to the dignity of a mighty and inde-
pendent prince.

After an absence of ten years, the royal brothers had a great
desire to see each other ; and the king of Tartary, at the earnest
request of Schahriar, resolved to pay him a visit. He accordingly
began his journey with a suitable equipage ; but as the arranging
so large a retinue prevented his advancing far the first day, he re-
turned privately in the evening, to his palace, to take another fare-
well of his queen, whom he passionately loved. On entering her
apartment suddenly, with the hope of giving her an agreeable sur-
prise, he was shocked to find her sleeping in the arms of a slave.
Overcome with rage, the king drew his sabre, and deprived them
both of lifo. lie then returned to his pavilion ; and though op-
pressed with the keenest sorrow, he determined to pursue his
journey.

When Schahzenan arrived at the capital of Persia, the sultan re-
ceived him with open arms. But a deep melancholy had seized the

8

unfortunate king of Tartary, which all the efforts of his brother
could not overcome. In vain did the court of Persia exhibit all its
splendor. Schahzenan remained gloomy and insensible. On a
sudden, without any apparent cause, this sadness disappeared, and
he became again, all at once, the same sprightly companion and
affectionate brother, whom Schahriar had so tenderly loved before
their separation.

The sultan of Persia rejoiced exceedingly at this alteration ; but
he was also much surprised at it. No cause appeared for the sor-
row which had bowed down his brother ; no reason could be con-
jectured why it should so suddenly leave him. As soon, therefore,
as Schahriar found that the king was effectually recovered, he be-
came importunate for an explanation of the mystery. Schahzenan
made no difficulty of acquainting his brother with the infidelity of
his queen, but entreated him to cease inquiring why he had shaken
off the sorrow which her baseness had occasioned. The sultan be-
came alarmed ; and judging by the reluctance of his brother that
he was somehow interested in the affair, he adjured the king of
Tartary to hide nothing from him.

Schahzenan was obliged to comply. He requested the sultan
would indulge him only till the next day, and would order the court
to prepare for a grand hunting-match to take place then. Schah-
riah complied ; and, as further instructed by his brother, he left
his train, and returned privately to the king of Tartary's apart-
ments, where there was a closet which overlooked the gardens of
the sultaness. Schahzenan had from thence accidentally observed
several interviews between that lady and a favored gallant ; and
from thence the sultan also became a witness of his own dishonor,
and of his wife's incontinence. " It was this unhappy secret," said
Schahzenan, " which removed my despondency ; as so amiable a
man as my brother conld not secure to himself the possession of a
woman, it convinced me that the whole sex were contaminated, and
that it would be idle in me any longer to bewail so common a mis-
fortune."

The sultan instantly sacrificed his guilty wife and her paramour ;
and being overwhelmed with affliction, proposed to his brother that
they should renounce the world, retire to some obscure hermitage,
and finish their lives, without being further exposed to the treachery
of women.

Schahzenan did not think it prudent to oppose the first transports

i:\TKKTAINMENTS.

of his brother's rage and grief, he gave into his proposal with great
apparent readiness but exacted a promise from him, that he would
return to his capital, and re-assume his throne, whenever they
should meet with any one more unfortunate in female connections
than themselves.

The princes having disguised themselves, left the city secretly,
and travelled till evening, when they arrived at the sea-side. At
daybreak they were alarmed by a frightful noise from the sea, and
had scarce time to climb up into a tree, when they perceived a
large column arise in the midst of the water, and advance toward
the shore. They presently found that it was one of those malignant
genii, who are enemies to mankind, and always doing them mischief.
He was black, terrific, and appeared like a giant of prodigious
stature he carried on his head a great glass box, which shut with
four locks. Having laid his box down, he seated himself by it, and
opened it ; when there came out n beautiful lady, magnificently
dressed. She sat down by the monster, who said to her in a voice
of tenderness, " My charming mistress, whom I stole on your wed-
ding day, and have loved with so much constancy ever since, let
me repose awhile by you ; I came hither on purpose to take rest."
Having spoke thus, he laid down his huge head on the lady's knees
and fell asleep.

When the genie's mistress perceived that he was so, she raised
his head from her lap, and laid it on the earth. She then got up
and went to the glass chest, and taking out a large string of rings,
she counted them over, and examined them with much attention,
then turning toward the genie, who was still asleep, she exclaimed
aloud, "Fool, to think that jealousy and restraint can preserve a
mistress : notwithstanding thy vigilance, I find by these rings, every
one of which I have received from a different gallant, that I have
had fourscore and eighteen lovers since I have been in thy power \ )}

The princes continued in the tree till the genie awoke, who hav-
ing replaced the lady in the chest, and locked it up, took it again
on his head, and returned into the sea. When he had been gone a
considerable time they descended and the sultan being convinced
that the genie was more unfortunate than himself, yielded to the
persuasions of his brother, returned to his capital, and resumed his
government. After some time the king of Tartary choosing to re-
turn home, the sultan dismissed him with every mark of fraternal
love, and on his departure said to him " I have at length fallen upon

1*

10 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

a method to preserve the chastity of a wife : I will not now," added
he, " explain myself; you will, no doubt, shortly hear of it ; and I
question not but you will follow my example."

Soon after the departure of Sehahzenan, the sultan chose the
daughter of one of his nobles for his bride : the nuptial ceremony
was performed ; the lady passed her night with her royal bride-
groom : and in the morning the grand vizier received her from his
hands, with orders to put her to death immediately. Every night
now saw a new bride conducted to the sultan's bed, and every morn-
ing beheld her a victim to his jealousy : the consternation was uni-
versal ; there was no parent who had a young and beautiful daugh-
ter, but trembled for her life ; and the sultan, instead of receiving,
as before, the blessings of his people, became the object of their
execrations.

The implicit obedience which good Mussulmans owe to the com-
mander of the Faithful, had as yet restrained the inhabitants of
Bagdad from rebellion, nor had they taken any measure to preserve
their children from so new a calamity ; when the beauteous and
accomplished Scheherazade, daughter of the grand vizier, under-
took to deliver them from it, by becoming the destined bride. Her
father was astonished when she declared her design. He used
every argument and entreaty to persuade her from it ; and agree-
ably to the custom of the East, he endeavored to enforce his rea-
soning by the following apologue :

THE OX, THE ASS, AND THE FARMER.

There lived in a certain country a very wealthy farmer, whose
lands were cultivated with the greatest care, and abounded with all
sorts of cattle and poultry. It so happened that he had an oppor-
tunity to render essential service to a very powerful genie, who, in
return, at the farmer's request, endowed him with the faculty of un-
derstanding the language of all animals, but on this express condi-
tion, that he should never interpret it to any one, on pain of death.

Some time after this event, the farmer was walking leisurely in
his yard, when he heard the following conversation between an ox
and an ass : " Sprightly," said the ox, how much do I envy your
condition ! You have no labor, except now and then to carry our
master little journeys ; in return for which you are well fed with
the best corn, carefully cleaned, and lodged in fresh straw every
night ; while I, who work from daylight till dark, and am urged by

ENTERTAINMENTS. 11

the blows of the ploughman to toil almost beyond my strength, -when
my hard task is performed, am scantily supplied with coarse food,
and pass the night on the common." 1

" Those," replied the ass, " who call you a foolish beast, are not
much mistaken. Why do you not, with all that strength, exert a
little courage, and resist such ill treatment ? If they give you bad
corn, smell at it and leave it ! and when they are about to fasten you
to the plough, bellow aloud, stamp with your foot, and even strike
them with your horns. Be assured a little resolution will soon pro-
cure you better treatment,"

The farmer, having heard this conversation, was not long in com-
ing to a resolution. The next morning the laborer found the ox
restive when he attempted to yoke him : on which, by his master's
orders, he left him, and putting the collar-on the ass, he fixed him to
the plough, and with many blows compelled him to perform the
work the ox should have done. Nor was this all ; for when he re-
turned at night, more dead than alive, he found no straw to lie on ;
and instead of a plentiful supply of the best oats, there was nothing
in his manger but a handful of coarse beans, ill-cleansed, which even
his extreme hunger could scarcely prevail with him to eat.

The ox, who had rested the whole day, and been fed with the prov-
ender usually given to his companion, received him on his return
with many compliments, and avowals of obligation. To these cere-
monies the ass had no relish ; without answering a word he threw
himself on the ground, and, in thought, began to upbraid his own
folly. " Was ever such imprudence as mine ? 77 said he within him-
self. " How has a silly officiousness undone me ! What had I to
wish for that I did not enjoy? when did sorrow ever approach me ?
All this happiness I have deservedly lost, by meddling with that
which did not concern me/' 7

The grand vizier applied the obvious moral to Scheherazade. But
finding she persisted, he became angry. " If you w T ill continue thus
obstinate,' 7 said he, " you will oblige me to treat you in the same
manner the farmer did his wife in the sequel of the story. 77

The farmer, hearing that the ass was in bad plight, was curious
te know what would paf s between him and the ox. Accordingly,
after supper, he took a walk with his wife into the yard, when he
heard the sufferer say to his companion : " Comrade, what do you
intend to do to-morrow, when the laborer brings your meat? 77
" Do, my best friend ! 77 replied the ox ; " why, I will carefully at-

1*2 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tend to your instructions ; if my corn is not of the very best quality,
I will not deign to touch it : and if he presumes to lay a halter on
me, I will not fail to knock him down."

" I fancy , ;; replied the ass, " you will think it prudent to alter that
resolution, when I relate to you what I heard our master say to the
laborer just now." The ass having thus excited the attention and
fear of the ox, told him very gravely, that the farmer had ordered
his servant, if the ox continued restive, to knock him on the head
the day following, and distribute his flesh among the poor. The
ox, alarmed at this story, bellowed aloud for fear, and vowed sub-
mission to the laborer which resolution the ass was forward to
commend.

The farmer was so pleased with the cunning of the ass, and the
terrors of the ox, that he burst into an immoderate fit of laughter.
His wife, who saw no reason for this extraordinary mirth, was curi-
ous to know the cause of it. lie tried to evade her question; but
the more he sought to divert her attention, the more earnest she
became in her inquiry. At length, tired with her importunity, he
told her that the cause of his laughing must continue a secret.
"You will not, I suppose,'' added he, " urge me any further, when
I acquaint you that my revealing it would certainly cost me my
life."

This assertion, which she affected not to believe, made the wife
redouble her importunities ; the farmer, however, continued reso-
lute, and suffered her to pass the night in tears without much concern.
But when he found next day that the same obstinate desire of the fa-
tal information continued, he was exceedingly distressed. He called in
the assistance of his neighbors and relations, who in vain represented
to her the unreasonableness of her request. She persisted : and the
unhappy farmer was on the point of gratifying her, at the expense
of his life, when an incident determined him to alter his intention.

Going out of his door, he heard his faithful dog relating with
concern the story of his embarrassment to a cock, who heard it
with much contempt. " A pretty fellow, truly," replied the cock,
"is this master of ours, who cannot manage one wife, when I govern
fifty ! Let him take a good crab-stick, and use it properly, I will
engage she will soon dismiss her impertinent curiosity." The hon-
est farmer took the hint ; his wife returned to her duty ; and you,
my daughter, if treated in the same manner, would no doubt be as
conformable to my desires, and forego so desperate an experiment.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 13

Notwithstanding this and every other method taken to shako her
determination, Scheherazade continued unmoved, and the grand
vi/icr was obliged to announce to his sovereign the ambition of his
daughter. The sultan heard him with sin-prise ; after pausing for
a few moments, he said to him ; with an air of severity : I give
you opDortunity to recall this rash offer ; if yon persist in it, I will
receive Scheherazade as my wile, but presume not to hope that 1
will violate my vow in her favor. On the contrary, your own life,
as well as hers, shall be forfeited, if you hesitate for a moment to
execute my usual orders." Even this menace had no effect on the
young lady ; and the unhappy father was compelled to lead his
darling child to the arms of his sovereign, with a full assurance
of being obliged to deprive her of life with his own hand the fol-
lowing morning.

When Scheherazade was introduced to the sultan, he was struck
with her beauty and modest sensibility. Perceiving her in tears,
he for a moment forgot his barbarous resolution, and endeavored
to comfort her. The lovely sultaness, pleased to see she had made-
an impression on his savage heart, seized that moment to request
that her sister, Dinarzade, might be admitted to her next morning,
an hour before day, to take her last farewell. The sultan readily
complied ; and notice being sent to her sister accordingly, the
charming Scheherazade suffered herself to be conducted to the fa-
tal couch, and became the devoted bride to the cruel Schahriar.

At the appointed hour, Dinarzade was admitted to the_nuptial
chamber ;. when she made the strange request, that in the little
time which remained, before they were to part forever, the sultan-
ess w T ould relate to her one of those many entertaining stories she
had read. The sultan, wondering at so singular a request, con-
sented, at the desire of his bride, and even expressed a wish to
hear stories which must be singular, indeed, to be asked for at such
a moment. Scheherazade, encouraged by this wish, began thus :

THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE.

Sir, there was formerly a merchant whose extensis r e traffic
obliged him to travel to many places ; in one of which journeys,
finding himself much incommoded by the heat of the day, ho
alighted from his horse, and sat down in a shady grove ; when
taking some dates out of his portmanteau, he ate them, tin-owing
the shells on each side of him. When he had done eating, being

14 ARABIAN NIGHTS*

a good mussulman, ho washed his hands and feet at an adjoining
rivulet, and said his prayers. While he was yet on his knees, a
monstrous genie, all white with age, advanced toward him with
a scimitar in his hand ; and uttering a frightful cry, excl.iimed,
*' Rise up that I may kill thee, as thou hast killed my son." The
merchant, terrified as much at his appearance, as at his threats,
protested his innocence. '' How," exclaimed the genie, " did you
not, even now, throw about the shells of your dates ? my son was
passing by, and you threw one of them into his eye, which killed
him ; therefore I must kill thee." Saying which, he took the
merchant by the arm, threw him on the ground, and lifted up the
scimitar to cut off his head.

In this imminent danger, the merchant earnestly entreated per-
mission to return home, and settle his affairs, and take leave of his
family. " What time do you require ?" said the genie. " I ask
a year," replied the merchant ; " I swear by Allah, that this day
twelvemonth I will return under these trees, to put myself into
your hands." Upon this the genie disappeared.

The merchant returned home disconsolate. He employed the
allotted time in properly regulating his affairs, arid when it was
near expired, he took a sorrowful leave of his family, and arrived
at the place where he had promised to meet the genie. While he
was waiting for his dreaded approach he saw two old men coming
toward him from different quarters, the first leading a hind, the
second two black dogs.

They approached the trees where the unfortunate merchant was
sitting, when one of them said to him, " Brother, why do you stay
in this place ? Do you not know that a number of evil spirits re-
sort to it, and that it is by no means safe to continue here ?"
" Alas !" said the merchant, " I know that but too well." He then
related his story to the old men, who having heard it, agreed to
continue with him until the genie should appear.

In a little time they perceived a thick vapor advancing toward
them, which vanishing all at once, discovered the genie. Without
noticing the old men, he took the merchant by the arm, saying,
" Rise, that I may kill thee, as thou didst kill my sou." The mer-
chant tilled the air with his cries ; and the old men prostrating
themselves on the ground, entreated for him. The genie, with
somo difficulty, was persuaded to listen to their expostulations,
and ;it length to agree, that if their several adventures were more

ENTERTAINMENTS. 15

surprising than that of the merchant, he would relent, and set
him at liberty.

Day advancing, the sultan arose, and the vi/.ier, in much afflic-
tion, entered into his presence in full expectation of receiving the
usual fatal orders ; but the sultan was so much taken with the
beauty and accomplishments of his lady, and his curiosity was so
much excited by the interesting story she had begun, that he De-
came irresolute respecting his vow ; and talking to his trembling
vizier on other affairs, he left him in suspense also as to the fate
of his beloved daughter.

The next morning Scheherazade resumed her narrative with the
history of

THE OLD MAN AND THE HIND.

" I married," began the first old man, u in my early life, my
cousin with whom I lived more than twenty years in much happi-
ness. The only thing that abated it was, that we had no children.
The desire of posterity induced me to buy a slave, by whom I
shortly had a son. I still lived in great harmony with my wife,
who always treated the slave kindly, and appeared to be very fond
of my boy. Some years after his birth, I was obliged to go a long
iouruey, and on my return, my wife told me that my son and my
slave were both dead. I lamented their loss very much ; but the
feast of Bairam approaching, I thought it my duty to overcome
my sorrow, and prepare for the holy festival.

tl Accordingly I gave orders to my farmer to bring up one of
the fattest cows, to sacrifice at the commencement of the solemnity.
He obeyed ; but when the cow was brought to me she bellowed
piteously, and I could perceive tears run down from her eyes.
Struck with so singular a spectacle, and moved, I knew not how,
I was about to send the cow back and order another, when my
wife opposed any exchange with great vehemence. I suffered my-
self to be prevailed on ; and though I could not kill her myself,
I ordered my farmer to do so, who obeyed me. When she was
slain, it was found, notwithstanding her plump appearance, that
she was mere skin and bone ; and wholly unfit for the intended
sacrifice.

" I immediately sent for another fat beast ; when the farmer
Drought a calf, whose behavior ws,s still more extraordinary. He
broke the cord, ran to me, and fell at my feet. I determined to

16 AKA1UAN NIGHTS

listen to the impulse I felt in favor of this calf, and accordingly
ordered him to be tokeil hack ; although my wife interfered with
still greater eagerness, and insisted that he should be slaughtered.

" The day following, my farmer desired to speak with me alone.
He took me to his own habitation, and introduced me to his daugh-
ter , by her I was informed that during my journey, my wife
had learned the black art ; and by that means had transformed my
slave into the cow we had unfortunately slaughtered the day be-
fore ; and my son into the calf which had so narrowly escaped

" I leave you to judge, powerful genie, how much I was distress-
ed at this account. But not doubting my informer was able to
restore my son, as she had the skill to discover his situation, I very
earnestly besought her assistance. 'On two conditions/ replied
she, ' I will restore him. First, that you give him me for a hus-
band and secondly, that you permit me to punish as she deserves,
the wicked enchantress who has transformed him. J I consented ;
she then pronounced certain words, and sprinkling my son with
water, be resumed his shape. He joyfully married his fair bene-
factress, who changed my wicked wife into the hind you see here.''

THE STORY OF THE OLD MAN WITH THE TWO BLACK DOGS.

" Prince of genii," said the second old man, " these dogs and
myself are brothers. On the death of our father we divided hia
substance among us, and each received a thousand sequins. One
of my brothers resolved to travel, laid out his money in goods
suited to the country he intended to visit, and departed.

" After a year's absence he returned in great distress, having
lost all his effects. Meantime, by industry, I had acquired an ad-
ditional thousand sequins, which I readily gave him. My other
brother, not disheartened by the ill success of the first, pursued
the same measures ; very shortly he also returned entirely ruined.
To him also I gave another thousand sequins; we then agreed to
remain at home, and pursue our business carefully, without seek-
ing further adventures.

" Some years afterward, both my brothers besought me to join
with them in a trading voyage. Their importunity prevailed. I
disposed of my stock, which now produced six thousand sequins,
half of which I buried in a corner of the house, and gave each of
my brothers a thousand of the remainder. We arrived safely at
our destined port, where we sold our adventures to good profit.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 17

"When \ve were nearly ready to return, I met on the banks of
the sea a lady, handsome, but poorly clad, who very earnestly per-
suaded me to marry her. I consented, and having taken her on
board the vessel, we set sail. My wife proved to be possessed of
so many good qualities that I became every day more fond of her.
My unworthy brothers, envying my superior good fortune, seized
us both while asleep, and threw us into the sea.

:< But little did these bad men imagine the punishment that awaited
their cruelty and ingratitude. My wife was a fairy ; she conveyed
me home, and conducted the vessel which had my goods on board,
safe into port. Before I knew of its arrival, two black dogs came
crouching to me in the most submissive manner. ' These,' said the
fairy, ' are your brothers. Thus is their wickedness requited ; and
it is one part of their punishment, that in this degraded state they
must look for support and protection to the brother they so basely
betrayed. 7 "

The genie thought these adventures so singular, that he remitted
the punishment of the merchant, and disappeared ; and the mer-
chant, after suitably thanking his benefactors, returned home again
with joy to his family.

The sultan was delighted with these stories. He requested Sche-
herazade to proceed next night to another; and going into the
divan, the vizier, his family, the court, and the people in general,
were overjoyed to find that he gave no orders to put the beautiful
sultaness to death.

THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN.

There was a fisherman who, when young, had indiscreetly vowed
not to cast his net above four times a day. This vow he religiously
observed ; though when he came to have a numerous family, he had
often occasion to regret his having made it.

One morning, having thrown his net three times without the least
success, he was almost wild with grief. Another cast only re-
mained, which he determined to take with particular attention.
Having thrown it. instead of a fish he drew up only a small vessel
of copper with a leaden seal to it. This seal be eagerly removed,
in hopes of finding something valuable ; but to his great mortifica-
tion, the casket was empty. He threw it on the ground, and con-
tinued to eye it in a kind of despair, when he perceived a thick
smoke to come out of it, which mounted to the clouds, and extend-

18 . ARABIAN NIGHTS*

ing itself along the sea and shore, formed a great mist. When the
smoke was all out of the vessel, it connected itself into one body
which formed an enormous genie.

At the sight of so terrible a figure, the fisherman would have
fled, but was too much terrified. " Solomon, Solomon, the great
prophet!" exclaimed the genie, "pardon, pardon, pardon; I never
more will oppose your will ! ; ' The fisherman hearing this took
courage, and said, " Thou proud spirit, what is it thou talkest of ?
it is eighteen hundred years ago since the prophet Solomon died !
Tell me your history, and how you came to be shut up in that
vessel."

The genie turning to his deliverer, with a fierce look said,
" Thou art very bold to call me a proud spirit. Speak to me more
civilly before I kill thee. <; What," replied the fisherman, "would
you kill me for setting you at liberty ? Is that the way you re-
ward the service I have done you ?' ; "I cannot treat you other-
wise/ 7 replied the genie; ''and that you may be convinced of if,
listen to my story : I am one of those rebellious spirits who op-
posed themselves to the will of Heaven. The other genii owned
Solomon the great prophet, and submitted to him. Sacar and I
only resisted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and
brought by force before his throne ! when, as I daringly persisted
in my disobedience, he shut me up in this copper vessel ; and that
I might not escape, he himself stamped his seal, with the great
name of God engraven on it, upon this leaden cover, and ordered it
to be cast into the midst of the sea.

During the first century of my imprisonment, I swore that if
any one would deliver me I would make him immensely rich.
During the second, I vowed that I would open all the treasures of
the earth to any one who should set me free. In the third, 1 prom-
ised to make my deliverer a mighty prince, and to be always his
attendant spirit. Many centuries passed over, and I continually
increased my promises to him who should render me so essential a
service ; but all in vain ; no one was so lucky as to find the coffer,
and by opening it, to obtain the rewards I had bound myself to
bestow. At last, enraged and tired with so long a confinement, I
vowed that if any one should set me at liberty, I would kill him
without mercy ; therefore, as you have this day delivered me, pre-
pare yourself to die/'

This discourse terrified the poor fisherman beyond measure ; but

ENTERTAINMENT. 1

as necessity is the parent of ingenuity, he addressed the genie
thus : " If it must be so, I submit ; lut before I die, I conjure you
by the great name which was engraven on the seal of the prophet
Solomon, that you grant me one request, in return for the service
] have done you, which you have obliged yourself to repay so
hardly." The genie trembled at the- adjuration, and answered
hastily, " Ask what thou wilt, but quickly."

4< I cannot believe,'' said the fisherman, "that you were really
confined in that vessel ; it will not hold one of your feet. I adjure
you, therefore, by the oath you have taken, to enter into it again,
that I may be convinced, and acquit you, before I die, of ingrati-
tude and murder."

The body of the genie instantly dissolved, and changing into a
mist, extended itself as before. At last it began to enter the ves-
sel, which it continued to do, by a slow and equal motion, till
nothing was left out; and immediately a voice came forth, which
said, " Well, incredulous fellow, I am in the vessel now ; are you
satisfied ?"

The fisherman instantly shut down the cover ; " Xow, genie, it is
thy turn to entreat in vain. I will return thee to the sea whence
I took thee, and will erect a monument to caution other fishermen
if they chance to meet with thee, that they may be aware of such
a wicked genie as thou art. who has sworn to kill thy deliverer !" The
genie endeavored with his utmost force to get out of the vessel
again ; but the seal of Solomon restrained him. Dissembling,
therefore, his anger, he addressed the fisherman in a more pleasant
tone ; begged him once more to remove the cover, and promised
to reward him to his full satisfaction. il Thou art a traitor," re-
plied the fisherman, 4i and I should deserve to lose my lifo, if I
was so foolish as to trust thee. No doubt you would use me as
the Grecian king did his physician Douban. ; T is a story I have a
mind to tell thee, before I return thee to the faithless element in
which I found thee."

THE STORY OF THE GRECIAN KING AND THE PHYSICIAN DOUBAN.

There was a king of Greece who was sorely afflicted with a
grievous leprosy. His physicians had exerted all their art in vain ;
his case was declared hopeless, and he expected every day to sink
under the loathsome disease which oppressed him. At this time
there came to his court a strange physician, named Douban, who,

20 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

after examining the patient, asserted that so far from the king
being incurable, he would undertake to restore his health without
either inward potions or outward applications. This extraordinary
proposal was readily accepted. The physician prepared a racket
and besought the king to play at tennis with it. " I have lodged,"
said he, " certain drugs in the handle, which is hollow, when these
are heated they will penetrate your majesty's whole frame ; leave
off then ; bathe, and retire to rest, and to-morrow you will find
yourself perfectly cured. >J

The king followed the direction of Douban, and rose the next
morning entirely free from his malady. The physician was in-
vested with the most distinguished honors ; the king loaded him
also with riches, and the courtiers with caresses ; he became the
declared favorite ; and every one who had a suit to prefer to the
king, solicited the interest of the physician.

But amid all his prosperity lurked the most fatal destruction.
The Grecian king was a very weak prince, easily irritated, and
tyrannical in his disposition. His former favorites envied Douban,
and seized every opportunity to excite distrust of him in the royal
breast. "He is become," said they, u next in dignity and power to
yourself; as he cured you in a manner so simple, may he not also,
by methods as unsuspected, cut off your majesty ; who alone stands
between him and the throne."

For a long time the Grecian king repelled these insinuations.
" Were I to listen to you," said he to his courtiers, " I should be like
a certain man who had a faithful parrot, who reported to him the
incontinence of his wife during his absence. The wife, enraged at
the tell-tale, contrived a method of destroying the credit of the bird,
and being revenged at the same time. Accordingly, when her
husband went another journey, she caused a slave to scatter water
ovor the cage all night, in the manner of rain, while others pro-
duced the appearance of thunder and lightning. The next day,
when the husband returned, the parrot complained of having been
exposed (ill night to the fury of a continual storm. As the master
knew the weather had been exceedingly fine, be hastily conclud* d
that hi* MrJ was false, and in resentment put it to death ; but tho
future ill conduct of his wife too soon proved to him his parrot's
truth and his own rashness."

u Sir," replied his vizier, " it is my duty to be particularly atten-
tive to your safety, nor must I suffer you to be led by specious ap

ENTEBT A IX MENTS . 2 1

pearances, into real danger. The vizier of a neighboring king wag
intrusted with the care of his master's only son, and so ill did he
perform that duty, that he suffered the young prince to separate
from his train, in the eagerness of the chase, till he was left alone,
and had lost his way ; while he rode ahout, he came up to a hand-
some lady, who appeared to be in great distress. The prince was
naturally compassionate ; he heard her tale, and at her request,
took her upon his horse, which he guided by her direction. They
came at length to the ruins of a castle in a lonely place, where the
lady desired him to alight ; he obeyed. The lady entered the ruins,
and while he was securing his horse he heard her say softly, " Be
glad, my children ; I have brought you a handsome young man,
very fat." Other voices immediately answered, "Mamma, where
is he ? let us eat him presently, for we are very hungry/ 7

The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger. He
perceived that the supposed distressed lady was really an ogress,
wife to one of those savage demons, called ogres ; who frequent
remote places, and use a thousand wiles to surprise and devour
passengers. He began to untie his horse again with all diligence,
putting up all the while prayers to Heaven for his deliverance.
The ogress, returning to the door, never doubted but he was still
employed in fastening his horse, and hearing him utter prayers, she
also pretended to put up ejaculations; but the prince was not to be
deceived by this hypocrisy. Having loosened the rein, he leaped
upon the saddle, and was soon out of the monster's power. But
although he escaped unhurt, his royal father was so much enraged
at the danger he had been in, that he very justly caused his care
less vizier to be put to death. I should deserve the same punish-
ment, if I did not protest against the conduct of Douban, who though
as specious as the ogress, may be equally dangerous.

The credulous Grecian king began at length to listen to these
insinuations; which the vizier observing, so inflamed his passions,
that he caused his benefactor to be seized, and brought into his
presence to be put to death. Douban, astonished at so fatal a de-
nunciation, solicited earnestly for mercy, but in vain.

" You see," said the fisherman to the genie, " how the king treat-
ed his benefactor. So have you also behaved to me."

When Douban found himself in the hands of the executioner, he
once more applied himself to the king, requesting he would, at
least allow him to live till the next day. " I have," said he to the

22 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

cruel prince, " among my books, one well worthy of your majesty's
acceptance : if, when my head is struck off, you will open the book
at the sixth leatj and read the third line, my head will answer any
question you shall ask." The king, though insensible to pity or
to gratitude, was moved by a frivolous curiosity to defer the execu-
tion.

The following day, when Doubau was brought into the royal
presence, he renewed his supplication for life ; reminded the king
of his services, and in the most earnest manner protested his in-
nocence. The unworthy prince told him plainly, that all he could
say was in vain : " Were it only," continued he, " to hear your head
speak after it is cut off, it is my pleasure you should be put to
death." The physician, seeing his fate inevitable, submitted. He
presented a large folio to the king : " Place my head," said he,
" for a moment on the cover of this book, and I shall be in a con-
dition to answer your questions." The executioner performed his
office ; and the head being placed as directed, the blood stanched,
tho eyes opened, and it called upon the king to openlhe book.

The king obeyed, but finding the leaves stick together, he put
his finger to his mouth and wetted it to separate them. When he
came to the sixth leaf, he said, " Physician, there is nothing written
here !" " Turn over leaf by leaf," said the head, " till you come to
the writing." The king continued to turn over the leaves, putting
his finger continually to his mouth, till the poison with which each
leaf was impregnated took effect. The head, perceiving that the
king had but few moments to live, exclaimed, " Tyrant, you are
justly punished !" Having said this, its eyes closed, and it re-
mained without life. The king also, in a short time, fell down and
expired.

" You find, genie," said the fisherman, " that though the physician
could not preserve his life, he contrived to punish his ungrateful
murderer. I am more fortunate in being now out of your power,
and having you in mine. I am now about to return you to the sea."
"My good friend," replied the genie, " remember, revenge is for-
bidden ; do not treat me as Imama did Atteca." tl How was that ?"
asked the fisherman. " Ho !" replied the genie, " do you think I
can tell stories in this confinement ? Let me out, and I will tell
you as many as you please." " No," said the fisherman, I will
not let you out ; on the contrary, I will this moment cast you back
into the sea." " Hear me, I charge thee, ' exclaimed the genie,

ENTERTAINMENTS. i'.l

' ; if tliou wilt deliver me, I swear, in the most solemn manner, that
1 will not hurt thee: on the contrary, I will teach thee how to be-
come as rich as thou desircst to be/ 7

Overcome by this promise, the fisherman once more opened the
vessel ; and the genie, resuming his form., instantly kicked it into
the sea. The fisherman was alarmed at this action, but the genie
assured him he was safe. He then led him up a mountain, from
whence they descended to a great pond, that lay between four hills.
" Cast in thy nets here," said the genie, " and carry the fish thou
shalt take to the sultan, who will liberally reward thee ; only be-
ware not to throw in thy nets more than once a day, or thou wilt
repent it.' 7 Having said this, the genie disappeared.

The fisherman immediately threw in his nets ; but though the
pond seemed to abound with fish, he caught only four. He was
much pleased to find them unusually beautiful, and each of a dif-
ferent color : one being white, one red, one blue, and one yellow.
Having much admired them, he set off for the palace, to present
them to the sultan. The singular beauty of the fish made them
very acceptable ; the liberal prince rewarded the fisherman with
four hundred pieces of gold, and ordered them to be served as a
part of the entertainment of the day.

But an amazing prodigy disappointed the sultan. As the cook
was frying the fish, on turning them, the wall of the kitchen opened,
and a beautiful young lady entered, holding a rod of myrtle in her
hand ! and advancing to the pan, she struck one of the fish, saying,
" Fish, fish, are ye in your duty ?" when the four fish lifting up their
heads together, said, lt Yes, yes, if you reckon, we reckon ; if you
fly, we overcome, and are content.' 7 As soon as they had thus
spoken, the lady overturned the frying-pan, and passed again
through the wall, which closed immediately, and became as before.

The cook was exceedingly terrified ; but recovering herself, and
picking up the fish, she had the misfortune to find that they were
burnt to a cinder, and utterly unfit to be served at the royal table.
She was under the necessity of relating the phenpmenon to the
vizier. That minister invented an excuse, which satisfied the sul-
tan : but being very desirous of seeing so strange a scene, he or-
dered the fisherman to provide him four other fish, of the same
sort, as soon as possible.

The day follo'wing the fisherman obeyed the vizier's orders, and
to his gi-p^t joy received another four hundred pieces of gold. The

24 AKAJJIAN NI UTS*

vizier glint himself up with the cook, who placed the fish on the
fire, and on turning them, when fried on one side, the wall again
opened, the lady appeared, the same dialogue passed between her
and the fish ; when, having overturned the pan, she retired, and
the wall closed as on the preceding day.

The vizier, astonished beyond measure at so great a prodigy,
failed not to relate the matter to the sultan. That prince was
equally surprised, and impatient to see so strange a scene himself.
The fisherman provided four more fish on the following day, and
again received a sum which was to him quite a treasure. The sul-
tan, attended by his vizier, retired into his closet ; the fish were
placed on the fire, and on turning them the wall opened ; but in-
stead of the young lady, there came out a gigantic black, in the
habit of a slave, who advanced with an air of anger to the pan, and
touching one of the fish, said, in a terrible voice, tl Fish, are ye in
your duty?" At these words, the fish raised up their heada, and
answered, "Yes, yes, we are; if you reckon, we reckon; if you
pay your debts, we pay ours ; if you fly, we overcome, and are
content." The black then threw the pan into the middle of the
closet, and the fish were reduced to coal. Having done this, he
retired fiercely, and the w r all shut, and remained as before.

When the sultan recovered "from his astonishment, he sent for
the fisherman, to know where he caught these extraordinary fish;
and finding it was near the city, he ordered his usual retinue, and
set off immediately. On ascending the mountain, the pond and an
immense plain beyond it presented themselves, which no one re-
membered to have seen before. The sultan ordered his court to
encamp by the side of the pond, and retired to his pavilion with
his vizier. To him the sultan declared his resolution of exploring,
alone, this new-discovered plain, in hopes of finding out the cause
of so many wonderful events. He commanded the vizier to detain
his attendants on that spot, and to excuse to them his not appearing,
under the pretence of his being indisposed.

At the dawn of the morning, the sultan set forward, and by sun-
rise, he saw before him a great building, which proved to be a
magnificent palace of black marble. As the gates were opened,
the prince entered, but met not any living creature. He wandered
through many spacious apartments, all furnished in the most splen-
did manner, and kept in the most exact order. He called out
aloud, but no one answered. After walking about a long time, ho

ENTKKTAINMKNTS. 25

grew weary ; and sitting do.wn, was beginning to reflect on the
wonders which had happened, when he was interrupted by the
voice of one complaining. He listened attentively; and following
the sound he came to a magnificent hall, at the upper end of which,
on a throne of burnished gold, sat a handsome young man, richly
habited in regal attire, but oppressed with the deepest melancholy.
As the sultan drew near, he saluted him. The young prince re-
turned the salute, by bowing his head. " I ought to rise, sir," said
he to the sultan, " to receive you ; but alas ! I can but too well
apologize for continuing in this posture." Saying this, he drew
'aside his robe, and discovered to the sultan that he was only a man
from the head to the girdle, and that the other part of his body was
black marble.

11 What you show me," said the sultan, " fills me with grief and
horror. I conjure you, most unfortunate prince, to relate to me by
what accident you have been reduced to your present situation. I
am persuaded your story is somehow connected with certain extra-
ordinary events which have occurred to me lately. Perhaps for-
tune has led me hither to be of service to you."

u Alas !" replied the young man, " I have no hope of relief; yet,
though I must renew my grief by repeating my story, your ap-
pearance, as well as your offers of assistance, entitle you to com-
pliance."

THE HISTORY OF THE KING OF THE BLACK ISLES.

" T succeeded my father to the throne of the Black Isles a few
years ago. and invited to share it with me a young lady whom 1
had loved from my earliest infancy. She was my cousin ; we were
bred up together ; and T had every reason to suppose I was equally
dear to her. After a short time I found a visible coolness in the
queen's behavior, which afflicted me the more, as it seemed to in-
crease daily, and I could no way account for it.

" It chanced, as I was reposing on a sofa, two of her attendants
came into the room, and supposing me asleep, one of them said to
the other, ' Is not the queen much to blame to treat this amiable
j :ince so ill ? I wonder he does not discover her enormities.' ' You
d ; not know, then,' replied the other, 'that every evening she mixes
in his drink the juice of a certain herb, which causes him to sleep,
till by applying another herb to his nose she awakens him. 'Tis
by thia nicans she escapes detection.'

26

li Though I was much alarmed at this discourse, I still appeared
to sleep. In the evening I supped with the queen; but when she
presented me, before we retired, with a cup, I only pretended to
drink, and holding it to my mouth some time, I returned it to ber
untasted. We withdrew to our chamber, where, as soon as I lay
down on the bed, I pretended to fall into a deep sleep. The queen
immediately arose, dressed herself, and having said to me, ' Sloop.
and may you never awake again !' went out of the chamber.

" I was ready to follow her in an instant. She went to a little
grove adjoining the garden, where a man was waiting for her. ' I
reached the grove unobserved, and concealed myself behind a tree;
I listened to their conversation, and found that she seemed to lavish
her fondness on one who heard her very coolly. Enraged that she
should treat me so unworthily, 1 resolved to be revenged on her
minion. Accordingly, when they had passed me, I gave him a vio-
lent blow on the neck with my scimitar, which brought him to the
ground. I supposed he was slain: and not caring to corne to ex-
tremities with the queen, I retired in haste, without discovering
myself, and returned immediately to my chamber. In the morning
I found my wife lying by me as usual, but she either was, or pre-
tended to be, in a profound sleep, so that I arose and went to coun-
cil without having spoken to her.

li At dinner time she presented herself to me, clad in mourning,
and expressed the utmost affliction. Alas, sir,' said she, ' I am
oppressed with the most cruel misfortunes. I have just heard of
the death of my royal mother; and that the king, my father, has
lost a battle, in which he and one of my brothers have fallen. Suf-
fer me to retire for a twelvemonth to the Palace of Tears, that I
may pay a proper tribute to their memory.'

'I was not sorry she thus disguised the true cause of her grief;
and readily gave her the permission she desired. She withdrew
accordingly to that palace : and thithor I found out she conveyed
her gallant. The wound I had given him would have been mortal,
had she not preserved him by a drink, which she prepared and
administered to him herself, every day. But though she was able
by this means to keep him alive, yet she could neither cure him,
nor restore his faculties : he lives, indeed, but he can neither Avalk,
move, nor speak; his eyes alone give signs of existence, but not of
sensibility.

" 1 hoped that time would have removed the queen's sorrow I

ENTERTAINMENTS. 27

suffered her, therefore, to continue this course without interruj tion;
but when, at the end of two years, I found that her criminal afflic-
tion was still cherished, I fatally resolved to let her know I was
not unacquainted with the real source of it. I concealed myself
behind the tomb which she had erected for her gallant, and became
a witness of her ungovernable foil}''. The fondness she lavished on
him was excessive ; nor would it have been excusable had he been
in perfect health. For this adored lover, this minion, thus doated
on, was a black Indian ; and, as I was well informed, as disgusting
in his manners as in his person. 'Alas !' exclaimed she, ' ? tis now
two years since you have spoken to me ; you return no answer to
the many proofs of love I give you. Is it from the effect of your bar-
barous wound, or from contempt, that you are thus silent ? tomb,
have you swallowed up the affection he had for me ? ' Enraged at
these lamentations, I discovered myself all at once, and reproached
her with the utmost severity. She heard me at first in silence and
confusion ; but when I not only declared myself the punishcr of her
gallant, but drew my scimitar to take away the remains of his
life, her shame turned to rage; she instantly began to repeat en-
chantments, and pronouncing certain words I did not understand,
I became as you see me, half marble, half man.

" Nor did I alone fall a sacrifice to the revenge of this wicked
woman. By the force of her incantations, she transformed my
whole territory. The four islands which I reigned over, are be-
come the four hills you passed ; my capital city is changed to a
pond ; and my people are turned into fishes, of various colors : the
Mussulmans being white; the Persians, who adore fire, red; the
Christians, blue; and the Jews, yellow. This I learned from her
rage and reproaches ; for she is not satisfied with the evils I now
suffer, but every day she comes here, and gratifies her malice by
invectives, and even by blows, which I have no power to resist."
, The young king having finished his story, became overpowered
with grief. The sultan did his utmost to console him. In answer
to the further inquiries of his visitor, the king informed him that
the Palace of Tears was adjoining to the hall they were in; that
the enchantress visited the palace every morning at break of day,
when she first exercised her cruelty on him. and then attended her
gallant, with the drink which preserved him from dying, and be-
wailed over him his helpless condition.

The sultan having revolved these matters in his mind, took leave

28

of the unhappy king, when he found he was a little composed,
without acquainting him with his intention, lest a disappointment
should aggravate his affliction. He found out the Palace of Tears,
and as soon as he came to the bed where the black lay, he put
him to death, and dragging his body into the court of the palace,
threw it into a well ! lie then laid aside his upper garment, and
having blackened his hands, face, and neck, and taken his scimitar
with him, he lay down on the bed in the same posture in which he
had found the black.

He passed the night without sleeping, his whole thoughts being
occupied with the affair he was engaged in. At day-break the
loud lamentations of the unfortunate king, and the severe blows
he heard inflicted on him, gave him notice that the wicked en-
chantress was at hand. The poor prince filled the palace with his
outcries, and in vain besought her, in the most affecting manner, to
have pity on him. Having gratified her cruelty, she left him ; and
entering the Palace of Tears began, in her turn, to use the language
of affliction. " Alas !" exclaimed she, as she approached the bed
on which her supposed lover lay can I ever sufficiently revenge
the miseries I suffer? To whose jealousy and cruelty do I owe
the wretched situation of my adored lover ? Alas ! my life, my
love,'' continued she, addressing herself, as she supposed, to the
black, " will you never be delivered from this state of insensibility
and silence ? AVill you no more be able to tell me how much you
love me ?

The sultan affected to awaken slowly, as from a deep sleep.
At last, heaving a sigh, and imitating the accent of the blacks,
he said, " There is no force, or power, but in God alone, who is
almighty/ 7 The enchantress, on hearing these words, gave an ex-
cessive shout for joy ; when the sultan, turning toward her, said,
11 Unhappy queen ! if thou wouldst have my recovery complete,
restore thy husband, and cease to treat him with indignity." The
Fond enchantress flew to the hall, and taking a cup of water, pro-
nounced certain words over it, which caused it to boil, then throw-
ing it on the young king, she said, " If thou art in thy present
state by the force of my enchantments, resume thy natural
powers/'' On her uttering these words, the prince instantly found
himself restored ; the joy he felt was scarcely allayed by the in
solence of his enemy, who directed him, in the haughtiest manner,
to leave the palace immediately, and be seen there no more on
pain of death.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 29

The enchantress returned with impatience to her supposed
lover, and was delighted to find him appear much better. As she
was hastening toward him. the sultan cried out, "Stop, wretched
lady ; if thou approachest nearer to rue, I shall relapse into my
former state of insensibility; my recovery cannot be perfect until
thou hast reversed all thy enchantments, which have produced
such fatal consequences to thy husband's subjects and territory. 77

The enchantress, elated with joy and hope, immediately with-
drew, and in a few minutes dissolved all her spells, and restored
everything to its former condition. The fishes became men ; the
houses and shops were again filled with their inhabitants ; and tho
sultan's retinue were astonished to find themselves in the middle
of a large and populous city.

Tho wicked magician hastened back to the Palace of Tears, and
was transported to see her supposed lover sitting on the bed.
Fearing, however, to approach him too hastily, she restrained her-
self, and said, li I have in all things obeyed you ; I have restored
to its first state everything that I had transformed." " '"Tis well, ;;
replied the sultan, rising up, and going toward her ; " come now,
and receive the reward thou hast deserved." As she flew to meet
him, he, with one blow of his scimitar, put an end to her life, at
once punishing her past crimes, and preventing her repeating
them.

The joy of t'he king and people of the Black Isles, on their de-
liverance, was extreme. The sultan heartily congratulated the
king, inviting him at the same time to pass a few days in his capi
tal, which they might reach in a few hours' ride. But the king oi
the isles undeceived him. ''Though, 77 said he, "you came hither-
in that time, yet now the enchantment if ended, you will find it
several mouths' journey to the confines of your dominions. I
will, however, readily attend you, and ever acknowledge my obli-
gations to you to the last moment of my life. 7 '

Accordingly, after a few days' repose, the young king added a
hundred camels., laden with inestimable riches, to the retinue of
the sultan ; and joining the same with many of his nobles, he
conducted that prince to his capital, where they were received by
the faithful inhnltitu-.iN, with the loudest acclamations.

Nor was the fisherman forgot. As he was the cause of the dis-
covery, the sultan gave him a plentiful estate, which abundantly
gratified his utmost wishes.

30 AK A HI AN NIGHTS'

THE STORY OF THE THREE CALENDARS, SONS OF KINGS, AND O?

THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD,

In the reign of Caliph Haroun Alraschid, there was at Bagdad a
porter, who was remarkable for his wit and good humor. O,e
day, as he was waiting for employment, a young and handsome
lady called to him. The porter was so struck with her appear-
ance and affability, that he followed her with joy, and exclaimed,
" happy day ! a day of good luck ! ;;

The lady knocked at a gate, and .a Christian, of venerable ap-
pearance, opened it. She put money into his hand, without speak-
ing a word : when he, knowing what she wanted, brought her a
large bottle of -wine, which the porter put into his basket. From
thence they proceeded to the diiferent dealers in provisions, fruits,
and perfumes, till the basket was quite full. Meantime, the por-
ter, by his ready wit and cheerful obedience, ingratiated himself
very much into the lady's favor. Having finished their marketing,
they arrived at a handsome house, where the lady, whose name
was Amine, caused the porter to take the provisions from his bas-
ket, for the inspection of her sisters, Zobeide and Safie.

The porter having delivered' his load was handsomely paid, but
instead of retiring, as he ought to havo done, he continued linger-
ing in the presence of the ladies. Zobeide, supposing him not
satisfied with his pay, offered to give him more. " I am overpaid
already, madam," replied he, "and am sensible I ought not to
have stayed here so long. But, permit me to say, I am surprised to
see no man in company with such beautiful ladies; you know the
company of women without men is as dull as the company of men
without women. Besides, the Bagdad proverb is allowed to be a
good one, which says : " One is never well at table, except there be
four in company.' ;;

The ladies laughed heartily at this discourse of the porter, who,
encouraged by their good humor, pressed his suit in such sprightly
terms, that convinced them that his education had been above his
condition. Notwithstanding which, Zobeide, recovering her se-
rious air, was about to reprimand his presumption, when Amine
interfered, and besought her sisters to let him stay and share their
3ntertainment. The porter could not restrain his joy on their
onsenting ; he would have restored the money he had received,
but the grave Zobeide ordered him to keep it. " That which we
have once given," said she, tl to reward those who have served us.
we never take again."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 31

They sat down to their repast together. After they had eaten
a little, Am me took a cup, tilled out wine, and drank first herself,
according to the custom of the Arabians; she then filled the cup
for her sisters, and last for the porter, who, as he received it,
kissed her hand, and, before'he drank, sung a song to this pur-
pose : " That as the wind brings along with it the sweet scent of
the perfumed places through which it passes, so the wine he was
going to drink, coming from her fair hand, received a moreexquis
ite taste than what it had of itself." This song pleased the ladies
highly, and the time they were at dinner passed away very pleas
antly : after which, Sane reminded the porter that it was time for
him to depart. He received this hint with visible reluctance, and
Amine once more became his advocate with her sisters ; who, to
oblige her, readily agreed he should continue till evening.

Zobeide, having signified their consent, turned to the porter and
said, ll One condition you must carefully observe : that whatsoever
we do in your presence, you take heed not to inquire the reason of,
nor presume to dive into the motive of our actions. That you
may perceive this is an invariable rule with us, rise up, and read
what is written over our gate, and then you may stay." The por-
ter, having read there this sentence in golden letters, " HE WHO

SPEAKS OF THINGS THAT DO NOT CONCERN HIM, SHALL HEAR OF

THINGS THAT WILL NOT PLEASE HIM," replied, *' I give you my
oath, ladies, that you shall never hear me speak of anything
which does not concern me, or wherein you have any concern."

During supper the}' sang, and repeated verses. The ladies took
pleasure in fuddling the porter, while they invited him to drink
their healths; mirth and good humor abounded, when they were
interrupted by a loud knocking at the gate.

Safie withdrew to inquire the cause, and presently returning, ac-
quainted her sisters that three calendars were at the gate, who
earnestly solicited to be received into the house, or even admitted
within the porch, for one night, being all strangers, just arrived
at Bagdad ; Safie added that they were young, handsome, and of
good address ; though each of them was deprived of his right eye.
Zobeide and Amine, finding Safie was desirous they should be
entertained, desired her to introduce them ; but to be very explicit
in telling them the terms on which they were admitted.

Safie accordingly led them in, after haviug shown them the
writing over *he gate, and laid the same injunctions on them that

3fc ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the porter had received, to which they each promised exact, obe
dience. Having paid their respects to the ladies, one of them cast
his eye upoii the porter, who was clad much like those calendars
who neither shave their beards nor eyebrows, and exclaimed,
" See, we have got one of our revolted Arabian brethren. "

The porter, who was half asleep, and warm with wine, was af-
fronted at these words ; and with a fierce look, answered, " Sit you
down, and do not meddle with what does not concern you have
you not read the inscription over the gate ? do not pretend to
make people live after your fashion, but follow ours." The calen-
dar apologized to the captious porter, and the ladies interposing,
pacified him. After the strangers had received suitable refresh-
ment, various instruments of music were introduced j the ladies
each took one, the calendars did the same, and began a concert of
music, which was interrupted by another loud knocking.

The caliph Haroun Alraschid was accustomed to walk abroad
in disguise very often by night, accompanied by Giafar, his grand
vizier, and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, to inspect into the order
of the city, ind see that the duty of the magistrates was properly
executed. Passing by the palace of the ladies, he heard the sound
of music and jollity ; and chose to inquire into the reason of it.
The vizier represented to him that it was not yet an unlawful hour,
and that by disturbing their mirth, in that disguise, he would prob-
ably expose himself to insult ; but the impatient caliph put an
end to his remonstrances, by ordering him to knock loudly at the
gate. On Safie appearing, Giafar represented to her that they
were Maussol merchants, strangers in Bagdad, who having rambled
a considerable way from their khan (or inn) were at a loss to find
it ; they therefore besought from their hospitality the favor of pass-
ing the night under their protection.

The ladies, having already admitted the calendars, made no
1 esitation to receive also these pretended merchants. The custo-
mary caution of the family was given to them, which they prom-
ised to observe; the diversions were resumed ; the calendars arose
and danced after their manner, and every one endeavored to con-
tribute to the pleasure of the company.

After some time. Zobeide arose and taking Amine by the, hand,
said, with a sigh, " Sister, it grows late ; it is timo for us to pi
to what wo are wont to do. The company are properly cautioned,
Aerefore their presence need not delay a business Avhich must not
be dispensed with."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 33

Amine withdrew, and returned immediately, leading two black
bitches, which appeared to have been severely beaten. She deliv-
ered the chain of one to the porter, and led the other into the
middle of the room. Zobeide appeared much distressed ; but re-
ceiving the bitch from her sister, she said, " Alas ! we must per-
form our duty !' ? The bitch at the same time began to cry, and
holding up her head, in an entreating manner, to supplicate com-
passion. Zobeide, notwithstanding, having received rods, disre-
garded her cries, and whipped her for a long time, with great
severity; after which she flung away the rods with indignation,
raised up the streaming animal by the paws, wept over her, and
having wiped the tears from the eyes of the bitch, she kissed her
and delivered her to Amiue, who led her away. She then received
the other bitch from the porter, and treated her in the same man
nor ; discovered the same reluctance, the same severity, the same
sympathy, and dismissed her with equal marks of affection.

As soon as Zobeide had recovered from her fatigue, Amine took
a lute and played a plaintive tune, which she accompanied with
her voice. Having played and sung for sometime, she became
transported with her own melody, and her powers failing her, she
fainted away. Zobeide and Safie flew to her assistance, and en-
deavored to recover her. But the fit not yielding to common
methods, they were obliged, for air, to lay bare her bosom, which
appeared bruised, and so full of scars as to shock the beholders.

When the caliph was first introduced he was struck with the
beauty and elegant manners of the ladies; the singular appear-
ance of the calendars, all young men of polite address, and all
blind of the right eye, had exceedingly engaged his attention. He
was astonished at the conduct of Zobeide, in so severely whipping
the two bitches, and afterward crying with them ; wiping away
their tears, and kissing them, though such animals" are considered
by the Mussulman religion as unclean ; and the sight of Amine's
bosom excited his highest indignation against the person who had
so cruelly abused her. Yet he still suffered himself to be re-
strained by the conditions imposed on him and his companions.
\Vhile he was meditating on these extraordinary events, he over-
heard the calendars expressing to each, other their wonder also.

The caliph had not doubted before but the calendars were part
of the family ; but when he found that they were strangers, and
wcro equally astonished at what had passed, he entered into COP

2*

3* ARABIAN NIGHTS*

versation with them. Zoboide and Safie still continuing engaged
in the care of Arnine, the caliph beckoned the porter, expecting to
receive information from him ; as he was also unacquainted with
these matters, the prince proposed that they should all throw aside
the law which had been imposed upon them, and jointly request
the ladies to explain these mysteries. The calendars assented to
the proposal, but each declined to ask the question. At last they
a,ll agreed in requiring the porter to do it. While they were con-
versing on this subject. Amine recovered ; and Zobeide, who had
heard them speak with much earnestness, drew near and inquired
the cause of their dispute; to which the porter bluntly answered,
" Madam, these gentlemen desire you will acquaint them why you
wept over your two bitches, after you had whipped them ; and
how that lady's bosom, who fainted lately, became so full of
Bears."

Zobeide, turning to the caliph and the rest of the company, with
an air of indignation asked if they had ordered the porter to make
that request. On their acknowledging that they bad, she said,
" Before we gave you the protection of our house, you were aich
separately cautioned, not to speak of things which did not concern
you, lest you should hear of that which would not please you ; take
therefore the just punishment of your impertinence and ingrati-
tude." As she spoke, she gave three hard knocks with her foot,
and clapping her hands as often, cried, " Come quick.'' A door
immediately flew open, and seven strong slaves with scimitars in
their hands, rushed in. Every one seized a man, threw him on the
ground, and prepared to cut off his head. The frightened porter
exclaimed aloud, " For Heaven's sake do not punish me for the
crimes of others! I am innocent; they are to blame; alas ! ; ' con-
tinued he, crying, " how happy were we before these blind calen-
dars came; they are the cause of this misfortune; there is no
town in the world but falls to ruin, wherever these inauspicious
follows come !"

The caliph, alarmed at his situation, was about to discover him-
eelf, when Zobeide, who, notwithstanding her anger, could scarce
refrain from laughing aloud at the lamentation of the porter, thus
addressed herself to them all : " Your unworthy conduct conduces
me that you are common fellows of no credit in your own coun-
tries. If, however, you have anything to say before you pay the
penalty of your folly, we will hear you.'' At these words, one of

ENTERTAINMENTS. 35

the calendars lifted up his head, and declared that he and hia
brother calendars were princes, and had passed through such
wonderful adventures, that, were they told, would recommend
them to her pity and forgiveness.

Zobeide, having consulted with her sisters, said, u Relate, then,
those events which you speak of: if they are indeed singular, they
may perhaps soften our resentment." The slaves then sufferei
them to rise, and the calendar who had thus far prevailed with the
affronted lady to suspend their resentment, began his story.

HISTORY OF THE FIRST CALENDAR.

'My grandfather reigned over two adjoining kingdoms; one of
which he bequeathed at his death to my father, and the other to
his younger son. As the utmost cordiality subsisted between the
two brothers, when I grew up and had completed my exercises, I
used to pass a month every year in my uncle's court, in company
with his son, who was about my age, and with whom I had con-
tracted an intimate friendship.

"The last visit I paid him, my uncle was absent on a progress
through his distant provinces. My cousin received me with un-
usual ardor of affection. After a few days' repose, he told me that
I could render him an important service : but before he could ex-
plain himself, he must exact a solemn oath, that I would never
discover what he should employ me to do, nor any measure he
should take in consequence of that service. I had the greatest
affection for my cousin, and doubted not but his whole conduct was
regulated by virtue and honor. I made no scruple, therefore, to
take the oath he required ; on which he requested me to go in the
evening to the gardens which were set apart for the women of the
seraglio, ' Tf you are seen,' said he, no one will venture to ques-
tion you ; and when a lady joins you, all I desire of you is, to con-
duct her as she shall direct you, and to keep my secret.'

"I obeyed his commands; the lady met me, and at her desire, I
conducted her to a cemetery adjoining to the city, whore, at a new
tomb, we found the prince waiting to receive us ; he had with him
a pitcher with water, a hatchet, and a little bag of plaster. With
the hatchet he broke down the sepulchre in the midst of the tomb;
he then lifted up a trap-door, which discovered a staircase : ' This,
m;ulam.' said he. ' is the way.' The lady immediately descended
the stairs, and the prince prepared to follow her Turning to me,

36 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ho thanked me for my services; but in answer to my eager in-
quiries, said only, ' Adieu, my dear cousin ! remember your oath.
Then letting down the trap-door, he disappeared.

' I returned to the palace unobserved. After some days, the
prince not appearing, the ministers of my uncle were greatly dis-
tressed to know what was become of him. I did not venture to re-
veal to them what I knew ; and indeed, when for my own satisfac-
tion, J sought the tomb where I had left him, there were so many
alike, that I found it impossible to distinguish it.

u As the king continued his tour, I determined to return to my
father's court; on my arrival, I was immediately surrounded by the
guards, and taken prisoner. The king, my father, was dead : and
his treacherous vizier taking advantage of my absence, had cor-
rupted the soldiery, and seized the throne. This usurper had a
personal hatred of me. When I w r as a boy. I was shooting at a
bird with a cross-bow, the ball unfortunately hit the vizier and put
' out one of his eyes. I made every apology in my power, yet he
never forgave me ; and now, when I was brought into his presence,
he ran at me in a rage, and pulled out my right eye. But not
daring to put me to death in the capital, lest he should excite an
insurrection among the people, he sent me to a distant part of the
country, under the care of his most trusty adherents, who had orders
to destroy me.

" From these assassins I found means to escape, and with much
difficulty I arrived at the dominions of my uncle, who received me
with the greatest friendship. After having condoled me, he told
me with much sorrow of the absence of the prince, his son. His
excessive grief overcame me ; and notwithstanding my oath, I told
him all that had passed between me and my cousin.

"The king listened to me with great attention. "When I had
finished my narrative, he proposed we should go privately in search
of the tomb. We went accordingly ; and I knew it immediately,
though I had so often sought for it before in vain. We removed
the trap-door with much exertion, as the prince had secured it on
the inside with the mortar he took with him. On descending, wo
found an elegant suite of rooms, in one of which w r as a bed with the
curtains close drawn ; these the king opened, and we found the
prince and the lady in the bed, burnt to a coal.

" While I viewed this spectacle w r ith horror, I was surprised that
my uncle, instead of testifying grief at the fate of his son, spat in his

KNTERTA INMFA'TS. 37

face, and exclaimed, * This is the punishment of this world, but that
of the other will last to eternity ! ; The king perceived my astonish,
ment, and explained his conduct by acquainting me, that a criminal
passion had arisen between the prince and that lady, who was^ hia
sister ; that he had in vain exerted the authority of a father and of
a sovereign, to restrain these unworthy children that before he
began his late tour, he had given an absolute order, that the prince
should not be permitted to approach the women's apartment. ' The
wretch, 7 continued the unhappy father, ' has rendered vain all my
precautions. It is plain he built these subterraneous apartments
for a retreat, and made use of your friendship to obtain the miser-
able partner of his iniquity ; but God, who would not suffer such an
abomination, has justly punished them both.'

" When we were recovered from the horror of this scene, we
agreed to retire as privately as we came ; to cover up the trap-door
with earth, and to hide, if possible forever, so shocking an instance
of human depravity in our relations. We returned to the palaco
in the deepest affliction ; but our attention was soon called to other
objects. The vi/jer, who had usurped my crown, was an able gen
eral ; not doubting but that my uncle would endeavor to punish his
crimes, and to revenge me, he determined to be beforehand with
him - } he led the flower of his troops into the field, and by skilful
conduct and rapid marches, he contrived to surprise the capital.
At the instant of our return, we found that the enemy had entered
the gates. We flew to put ourselves at the head of the guards,
and made a vigorous resistance, but the fortune of the usurper pre-
vailed. My uncle fell gallantly fighting ; all opposition became
fruitless : I had no hope of mercy. I contrived therefore to escape ;
and, in this habit. I passed unknown through my uncle's dominions.
I arrived this day at Bagdad, intending to throw myself at the
feet of the glorious caliph Haroun Alraschid, and to implore his
protection/'

HISTORY OF THE SECOND CALENDAR.

" I also, madam," began the second calendar, " am the son of
a king. I pass over the events of my early life, and come to that
which introduced me to so many misfortunes.

" My father having occasion to send an embassy to the sultan of
the Indies, thought the journey, and the survey of a foreign court,
would be exceedingly useful to me. By his command I joined the

38 AT? \ HI AN NIGHTS'

caravan ; we travelled for a month with safety and pleasure ; when
we were suddenly beset by a numerous troop of robbers, who
plundered our baggage, killed many of our party, and dispersed
the jest.

11 1 had the good fortune to escape unhurt ; but I was alone and
wholly unacquainted with the country. I journeyed on for many
weeks, and at last arrived at a large city, in a most deplorable sit-
uation ; my body sun-burnt, my clothes worn out, and without the
means of obtaining others. On my entering the town, I applied
to a tailor, to mend my tattered garments ; while he was rendering
me this service, he entered into conversation with me, and inquired
who I was and whence I came. I made no hesitation to acquaint
him with my situation. 'Take especial care,' replied the tailor,
' how you reveal to any one else who you are; the prince of this
country is the mortal enemy of your father ; the laws of hospitality,
or even humai ity, are little regarded by him; judge, then, how
necessary it is for you to be concealed.' The instant I heard the
name of the city where I was, I knew the necessity of this caution.

'' The friendly tailor was of the utmost service. to me. lie took
me into his house, and gave me such refreshments as his poverty
could furnish. Some days after, when I was pretty well recovered
from my fatigue, my host, knowing that most princes of our re-
ligion apply themselves to some art or calling, inquired of me
which I had learned. Unfortunately I had neglected that useful
custom. * You must then,' said he, ' submit to harder labor, for it
will not be safe for you to continue unemployed in this city : join
those poor people who cut fuel for the use of the town, in the
neighboring forests; I will supply you with a proper habit, ar.d
with implements; you may then remain in safety with me, till an
opportunity offers of returning to your father's dominions.'

"I followed this prudent advice, and for a year went daily to
the forest. One day, as I was pulling up the root of a tree. I es-
pied an iron ring, fastened to a trap-door : on lifting it, I saw some
stairs, which I descended, and found they led to several stately
rooms, in one of which I discovered a lovely lady, of noble carriage^
and extraordinary beauty. She expressed the greatest surprise at
seeing me: 'I have lived/ said she, '" twenty-five years here, and
no\f>r saw any man before! by what adventure are you come
hither ?'

" I was avlunned to be considered, bv so lovclv a woman, as an

ENTERTAINMENTS. 39

humble wood-cutter; 1 therefore readily told her who I was ; and
requested to know by what accident she had been so long secluded
from the world. ' Alas ! prince/ said she, ' I am also of royal
birth; my father, king of the isle of Ebene, gave me in marriage
to a prince ; but on my weddiag-night, before I was introduced to
my spouse, a genie took me away.

"'I was a long time inconsolable; but time and necessity have
accustomed me to receive the hateful genie. He visits me every
tenth day. If I wish to see him at any other time, I touch the
talisman you see there, and he presently appears. He will not be
here these five days ; if you choose to pass them with me, I will
endeavor to entertain you according to your quality and merit. 7 I
embraced her proposal with the greatest joy.

" The next day she introduced at dinner a bottle of excellent old
wine ; niy head grew affected by it. ' Princess/ said I, ' you have
too long been thus buried alive ; you shall not continue to be en-
slaved by this tyrant, Let him come ; I swear I will extirpate all
the genii in the world, and him first; and for this talisman, I will
break it. ; The princess entreated me not to touch the talisman.
I know/ said she, * what belongs to genii better than you.' But
in vain; the fumes of the wine did not suffer me to hearken to her.
I gave the talisman a violent kick with my foot, and broke it all
to pieces.

'' Immediately the palace began to shake : thunder, lightning,
and darkness, appalled us. This terrible appearance in an instant
dispelled my drunkenness. I perceived at once my folly and the
danger we were in.

" The princess, anxious only for me, urged me to escape imme-
diately. I obeyed her in so much haste, that I left my hatchet and
cords behind me. I had scarce ascended up the stairs, when I saw
the palace open, and. the genie rushing in, the earth closed.

" I returned to the city in great distress, grieved at my own mis
conduct, and in despair for the poor princess. When I got home,
I paid little attention to the joy expressed by my friendly tailor
for my safe return ; but retired to my chamber, and gave myself up
to the most tormenting reflections.

" From these I was soon roused by my host, who came to tell
me that an old man had brought home my hatchet and cords,
which he would not deliver to anybody but mvself. I turned pale
it this intelligence ; but before I had time to recover myself, the

40 A i: API AN

old man followed him : 'Do not these tilings belong to you ?' said
be. sternly. This abrupt question, his terrible aspect, and my own
fears, made me unable to answer him. While I continued thus
torpid from terror, he seized me, dragged me out of the house,
and mounting into the air. carried me along with incredible swift-
then descending, he struck the earth with his foot, which
opened, and we found ourselves in the palace of the princess of
Ebene. But nlas ! what a spectacle ! The poor prii cess was lying
on the ground, fainting, naked, and bleeding.

"' Perfidious wretch !' said the genie to her, ' is not this thy gal-
lant ?' She, casting up her languishing eyes at me, said, * I do not
know him, nor ever saw him before.' * What !' said the genie, * Is
he not the cause of thy being in the condition thou art so justly in !
and yet darest thou say thou dost not know him ?' * I do not know
him/ replied the princess. ' If so,' said the genie, presenting a
scimitar to her, ' cut off his head/ ' Alas !' replied the prince--. 1
am not able to obey your barbarous command, even if I were will-
ing.' The' genie, turning from her, with indignation said to me,
' And thou dost not thou know her ?'

" I should have been the basest of slaves, had I been less faithful
to her than the princ me. I therefore answered firmly,' I

kut>w her not, nor have ever seen her before.' * Take then the soim-
itar,' said the genie, ' and cut off her head ! I shall then be convin-
ced of your innocence, and will set you at liberty.' ' With all my
heart.' replied I.

" The unhappy princess oast up to me a look expressive of her
readiness to die tor my safety : but nothing could be further from
my intention than to perpetrate such a crime. Checking, therefore,
my seemintr readiness. I paused a moment, aivl then said to the ge-
nie, ' I cannot bring myself to take away the life of an unhappy lady.
who hath done me no wrong. If by murder onjy I can escape your
unjust resentment, I am in your power, and you must do with me as
you please.'

'' I see.' said the jronio, * that you both put me at defiance.' liar-
ing said this, he took up the scimitar, and put an end to her life.
Then turning to me, ' Was I sure,' said he. ' that she had put a greater
affront on me than in conversing with thee, thou also shouldst die ;
but I will be content with transforming thee into a dog, ape, lion, or
bird : take thy choice.' * genie," said I, ' it is more noble to par-
dou than to punish; if you will generously dismiss me, I shall ever

ENTERTAINMENTS. 41

gratefully remember your clemency, and you "will act like the
Uious sultan Hassan All, whoeti f n-bearancc was the cause of all
his good fortune. ' I will have patiem-e till you tell me that story/
replied the genie, * but think not to escape unpunished.' "

THE STORY OF THE ENVIOUS MAX, AND OF HIM THAT HE ENVIED.

Hassan Ali was respected by all his neighbors, except by one
man : who, envying his great reputation, conceived a violent hatred
to him. Hassan endeavored in vain, by repeated good offices, to
overcome this dislike : but muling his neighbor's ill-will uncon-
querable, he determined to remove to another town, rather than
live at enmity.

He removed accordingly, put on the habit of a dervis, and pass-
ed his time in retirement. The sajictity of his manners, and the
benevolence of his heart, acquired him general esteem. He was
raised to the head of a convent of dervishes, and his reputation
spread abroad, till it reached the town he had left, and renew-
ed the ill-will of his unworthy neighbor. This man, becoming
more inveterate than ever against Hassan, determined to visit him
at his convent, with intent to destroy him. Hassan received him
kindly, and readily went with him into the garden of the convent,
to hear the business he pretended to have with him.

It was night, and the envious man was well acquainted with the

a. lie prolonged the conversation till they came to the edge

of a deep well, when suddenly turning, he pushed Hassan into it.

He then left the convent hastily, and returned home, rejoicing that

he had gratified his malice and destroyed the good dervis.

It chanced that the well was inhabited by fairies and genii, who
received Hassan and preserved him.

While he was reflecting on these events, he heard a voice rela-
ting his story, and after highly praising him, go on to declare, that
the sultan intended to visit him the next day to recommend his
daughter to his pray

Another voice a.-ked, " What need had the princess of the der-
rs ?" To which the tirst answered, " She i*

he cure > '.ere is in the convent a black

ith a white spot at the end of her tail ; let seven of these

urned in presence of the princess, and the genie

will leave her, and never dare to return/' 7 The dervis took care to

remember this conversation. In the morning he got out of tha

42 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

well without difficulty : when he entered the convent, his vat com.
ing as usual to play about him, he pulled out seven hairs from the
white spot on the tail, and put them safely by.

Shortly afterward, the sultan arrived with his attendants. lias-
Ban received him with suitable respect, and immediately, before the
Bultan had explained the cause of his coming, he caused fire to
be brought in ; and burning the hairs, the genie gave a great cry,
and left the princess, who instantly appeared to be perfectly recov-
ered. The sultan rejoiced beyond measure at this event : having
the highest opinion of the good dervis, he gave him his daughter
for a wife, and dying soon after, Hassan succeeded to his throne.

"When he made his public entry into his capital, great crowds
flocked from all parts to see their new sovereign. Among the
rest, came the envious man, who little expected to find his old
neighbor alive, and become his prince. The good Hassan, seeing
him in the throng, commanded him to be brought before him.
The envious man came into his presence trembling, and expecting
the punishment he deserved ; but the sultan ordered him valuable
presents, and dismissed him with this remark : " I freely forgive
thy past malice, and consider thee as entitled to reward, having
been the cause of my good fortune but as the evil thou didst in-
tend me has been most serviceable to me, so the good I now do
thee will become evil if thou dost not shake off thy malignity."

" You see, genie, said I, how nobly Hassan Ali behaved to his

enemy. Let me entreat you to follow his example. Instead of-

attending to my request, the genie threw some earth in my face,

and vanished. I found myself all at once removed from the palace

to the ridge of a mountain, and transformed into an ape.

" I was overwhelmed with sorrow at this metamorphosis. I de-
termined, without knowing why, to- leave the mountain and to
the sea-coast, which I saw at a great distance. When 1 came
there, I found a vessel at anchor near the shore ; I broke off the
arm of a tree, and getting on it, guided it with two small sticks,
which served me for oars, till I came close to the vessel, when I
seized a rope, and jumped on board. The passengers had seen my
dexterity with much pleasure ; but when I leaped on board, their
superstition took alarm every one pursued me with handspikes or
arrows, and I should certainly have been slain, if I had not thrown
myself at the feet of the captain, and, by my tears and expressive
gestures, obtained his protection,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 43

* A few days aftei we made the port of a capital town. On our
arrival, some officers came on board and desired as many as chose,
to write in a paper they produced. The reason of this request
was, the vizier of the country was lately dead ; who, besides pos-
sesbing other great talents, was a very fine writer and the sultan
had determined not to give his place but to one who would write
as well. Everybody, on hearing this story, was eager to write.
When they had done, I made signs that I could write. The offi-
cers paid no regard to me, but the captain stood once more my
friend. At his request a pen was given to me, and I wrote six
sorts of hands used among the Arabians ; each specimen being a
distich in compliment to the sultan. As soon as that prince saw
my writing, he ordered his officers to conduct the writer to court
in great pomp, and to declare him vizier. The officers could not
restrain their laughter on receiving this order, but immediately
apologized to their sovereign by acquainting him that the writer
was not a man, but an ape. The sultan was amazed, and express-
ed great desire to see me. On my being introduced, I directly
paid my respects to him, in the usual manner, to the surprise of
the spectators who wondered how an ape should distinguish the
prince and behave to him so properly.

" The sultan retiring to dine, made a sign for me to attend him.
After dinner a chess-board was brought in, and on his pointing to
it, I made him understand that I could play the game. We sat
down ; the sultan won the first game, but I won the second and
third. Seeing him disconcerted, I immediately wrote a compli-
mentary distich which restored his good humor.

" The sultan had a daughter who was justly called the Lady of
Beauty, of whom he was exceeding fond. Thinking the sight of so
wonderful an ape would entertain her, he sent for her ; on her
entering the room she let fall her veil, though there was only the
customary attendants present. The sultan inquired the cause of
this novelty : Sir,' replied the princess, ' the ape that you have by
you is a young prince, transformed by enchantment. I have learned
the seventy rules of magic, whence I know, at first sight, all per
sons who are enchanted, and how they became so.' * Have you
power, also,' said the sultan, * to dispel the charm ? J l I have,' re-
plied the princess. ' Do so then immediately, I entreat you,' said
the sultan; ' I interest myself exceedingly in this prince's fortune ;
if you can restore him, I will make him my vizier, and he shall
marry you.'

44 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

4i The Lady of Beauty retired, and presently returning, brought
a knife which had some Hebrew words engraved on the blade. She
conducted the sultan and myself, attended by the master of the
eunuchs and a little slave, into a private court of the palace; and
placing us in the gallery, she drew a circle within which she wrote
eeveral words in Arabian characters, some of them ancient, others
of the character of Cleopatra.

" When she had finished the circle she placed herself in the centre
of it, where she began adjurations, and repeated verses out of the
Alcoran. The air insensibly grew dark ; all at once the genie ap-
pe'ared in the shape of a lion of a frightful size.

'* Wretch,' said the princess to him, 'darest thou present thy-
self in that shape, thinking to frighten me ?' ' And thou,' replied
the lion, 'art thou not afraid to break the treaty which was so
solemnly made between us ? but thou shalt quickly have thy re-
ward. At these words he opened his terrible jaws and ran at her
to devour her ; but she leaped backward, pulled out one of her
hairs, and by pronouncing three or four words, changed herself into
a sharp sword, and cut the lion in two.

u The lion vanished, and a scorpion appeared in his room. The
princess became a serpent, and fought the scorpion, who, finding
himself worsted, took the shape of an eagle, and flew away. The
serpent also took the same shape and pursued him, so that we lost
sight of them both. Some time after the ground opened, and there
eame forth a cat, with her hair standing upright, and making a
fearful mewing ; a black wolf followed her close, and gave her no
time to rest. The cat thus hard beset, changed herself into a worm
and a pomegranate lying by the side of the canal, the worm pierced
it in an instant and hid itself; but the pomegranate immediately
swelled as big as a gourd, and presently burst into several pieces.
The wolf became a cock, and picked up the seeds of the pomegra-
nate ; when he could find no more, he came toward us. as if he
would ask us whether he had left any. There was one lying at tho
brink of the canal, which we perceiving, pointed it out to mo
cock, which ran speedily toward it ; just as he was going to pick
it up, the seed rolled into the river, and became a little fish. The
cock jumped into the river, and was turned into a pike, which pur.
. sued the small fish. They continued both under water about two
hours, and we began to wonder what had become of them,
when, on a sudden, we heard such terrible cries as made us

ENTERTAINMENTS. 4A

tremble, and presently we saw the princess and the genie all in
flames. They threw flashes of fire at each other so fiercely, that
we apprehended chat the palace would be consumed ; but we soon
had more reason to be alarmed, for the genie, having got loose from
the princess, came to the gallery and blew flames on us. The
princess flew to our relief and beat away the genie ; but in that
momentary attack the sultan's face was dreadfully scorched, the
eunuch was stifled, and a spark entering my right eye it became
blind, We expected nothing but death, when we heard a cry of
' Victory ! victory !' the princess appeared in her natural shape,
but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes.

" The princess hastily caught up some water in the hollow of her
hand, and uttering certain words, she threw it over me, and I be-
came a man as before, one eye only excepted. As I was about to
return thanks to my deliverer, she prevented me by addressing her
father thus : ' Sir, I have got the victory over the genie ] but it is a
victory that costs me dear, as I have but a few moments to live.
This would not have been had I perceived the last of the pomegra-
nate seeds, and swallowed it as I did the others. That oversight
obliged me to have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty
arms, as I did, between heaven and earth, in your presence. I
have conquered and reduced the genie to ashes; but the fire pierced
me also during the terrible combat, and I find I cannot escape
death.'

" We were thunderstruck at this declaration, and had scarce re-
covered the power of expressing our sorrow, when the princesb
cried out : ' Oh, I burn !' She continued some time crying out, till
at last the effect of the fire was so violent, that she also, as the
genie, was reduced to a heap of ashes.

" I was inexpressibly grieved for this fatal misfortune. The
sultan fainted away ; and when he revived, he continued several
days so ill that his life was despaired of. W^hen he was a little re-
covered he sent for me : ( Prince/ said he, ' listen to the orders I
now give you ; it will cost you your life if you do not obey them
I have constantly lived in felicity till you arrived in my dominions ,
I need not remind you of the sad reverse I now experience, or of
the loss of my daughter. You are the cause of all. Depart from
. hence in peace, without delay ; I am persuaded your presence brings
mischief along with it ; depart, and take care of ever appearing
again in my dominions \ there is no consideration that shall hinder

40 AltAlilAN NIGHTS'

my making you repent of it if you do. 7 1 was going tc reply but
he prevented me, and drove me from his presence with words full
of anger. Rejected, banished, thrown off by all the world, f
caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved and set off for Bag.
dad ; lamenting more for the two unfortunate princesses than for
my own wretchedness. I arrived here this evening, and hope to get
admission to the commander of the faithful, and, by reciting my
strange adventures, to obtain his princely compassion."

HISTORY OF THE THIRD CALENDAR.

" My name is Agib. I am the son of a king, at whose death f
took possession of an extensive and flourishing kingdom. When I
was settled on the throne I resolved to visit the distant provinces
of my empire, particularly several valuable islands. We had an
exceeding pleasant voyage there, but on our return a furious storm
arose, and drove us so far out of our course that the pilot knew
not in what direction to steer. While we were in this uncertainty
a sailor from the mast-head gave notice that he saw something
which had the appearance of land, but looked uncommonly black.

<% The pilot on this report expressed the utmost consternation.
' We are lost,' said he, ' the tempest has driven us within the influ-
ence of the black mountain, which is a rock of adamant, and at
this time its attraction draws us toward it ; to-morrow we shall
approach so near that the iron and nails will be drawn out of the
ship, which of course must fall to pieces, and as the mountain is
entirely inaccessible, we must all perish.'

" This account was too true. The next day, as we drew near
the mountain the iron all flew out of it, the ship fell to pieces, and
the whole crew perished in my sight. I had the good fortune to
secure a plank which bore me up, and the tide gently drove me to
the foot of the mountain ; when I approached it, I found it was
entirely perpendicular for a great height ; I continued therefore
upon my plank coasting it, and was almost reduced to despair,
when I discovered a flight of steps that went up to the top. These
I gained with great difficulty ; there was no ground on either side ;
and when I landed I found the steps so narrow, rugged, and diffi-
cult, that the least wind must have blown me into the sea. J got
up, notwithstanding, to the top without accident, and gave God
I hanks for my deliverance.

* On the summit of the mountain I found a dome of fine brass,

ENTKKTAIXMKNTS. 47

upon the top of which stood the figure of a man on horseback, of
tlie .same metal. Being much fatigued, I lay down under the dome,
and soon fell asleep; when I dreamt that the old man came to me,
and said : ' Hearken, Agib ! as soon as thou art awake, dig up the
ground under thy feet, and thou shalt find a bow of brass and three
arrows of lead ; shoot the arrows at the statue, and the rider w T iri
fall into the sea, but the horse will fall down by thee, which thou
must bury in the same place whence thou takest the bow and
arrows. This being done, the mountain will gradually sink down
into the sea ; and thou wilt have the glory of delivering mankind
i'rom the many calamities it occasions. "When it has sunk to tho
surface of the water, thou shalt see a boat with one man in it ; this
man is also of metal. Step on board the boat, and let him con-
duct thee ; in ten days' time he will bring thee to land, whence,
thou wilt find easy passage to thy own country. But be particu-
larly careful not to mention the name of God while thou continuest
in this boat.'

"When I aw r oke I w r as much comforted by the vision, which I
prepared to obey. I dug up the arrows, and shot them at the
statue; every event foretold in my dream followed precisely ; and
when I got into the boat of metal. I found a quantity of all kinds
of refreshments, which were very acceptable. For nine days the
man of metal continued to row day and night without ceasing. I
was so mindful of the caution I had received, that I did not speak
at all ; but arriving then near some islands, my joy made me for-
get myself, and I exclaimed, ' God's name be blest !' Immediately
the man and boat sunk, and I was left in the water.

" I got safe on shore, and presently saw a vessel drawing nigh
the island; not knowing what sort of people might be in it, I
climbed a thick tree whence I could see them undiscovered.
Presently a number of slaves landed, and began to dig near the
tree where I had taken refuge. Soon after a venerable old gen-
tleman came on shore, leading a handsome youth, attended by
several slaves who carried provisions. They came together to the
place where the slaves had opened the ground ; after a short stay,
they all returned to the vessel, except the young man, and sailed
away.

" When I perceived they were at such a distance that they could
not see me, I descended from the tree, and easily removing the
loose earth, came to a flight of steps ; these I descended, and found

48 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

a room handsomely furnished, and the young man silting upon a
couch. lie started at the sight of me, yet rose to receive me with
a good grace. I presently removed his fears, by offering to deliver
him from his confinement, on which he requested me with a smile
lo sit down by him, while he related the cause of his being left in
that place.

" * My father, sir./' said he, ' had grown old in successful traffic,
and had gained immense wealth, before it had pleased Providence
to grant him a child to inherit it. He had begun to despair of the
blessing, when I was born. The joy he felt at my birth was pres-
ently clouded over; for, in his anxiety tor my welfare, he con-
sulted astrologers, as to what my future lot would be. They told
him I should reach fifteen in perfect health, and if I survived that
birthday, I should attain a good old age, in prosperity ; but that
about that time, Prince Agib would throw down the statue of brass
from the mountain of adamant, and within fifty days after would
put an end to my life.

" l My father was exceedingly afflicted at this prediction, and
prepared this habitation to conceal me in at the destined period
As the time slid on, his uneasiness in some degree subsided ; but
he learned yesterday, that ten days ago the statue was overturned
by the prince they had mentioned; and I want just forty days to
complete my fifteenth year. These circumstances have awakened
all his terrors ; he hastened to place me in this asylum, to which I
came very cheerfully ; for surely Prince Agib will never seek me
in a place under ground, in the midst of a desert island.'

" While the young man was relating this story, I was surprised
to find myself so much interested in it. I despised those astrolo-
gers, who had foretold that I should take away the life of a youth
for whom I already began to feel affection. I encouraged him in
the hopes that he was out of all danger; I offered to continue
with him as a companion during his confinement, but took care not
to let him know that I was the Agib whom he dreaded. He
received my offer with joy; and we passed thirty -nine days very
pleasantly.

" The fortieth day came, and in the morning the young man
rejoiced that the threatened danger was over ; he prepared him-
self by bathing to receive his father, and being fatigued, he lay
down on a couch to repose. After a while he requested me to
give him some melon. I looked out the best which remained, but

EXTKKTATNMKNTS. 49

was at a loss for a knife to cut it. 'There is one/ said be, ' on the
cornice over rny head.' I saw it, and made so much haste to reach
it, that when I had taken it in my hand, my foot being entangled
in the covering of the couch, I fell most unhappily on the young
iD\n, and run the knife into his heart.

"It is impossible to express the anguish I fell at this fatal acci-
dent. I cried out, beat my breast, and threw myself on the ground.
When these transports had a little subsided, it fortunately occurred
to me th*at my situation was very dangerous ; that the old man
and his slaves would probably arrive soon, and finding me in the
cavern and his son slain, I had everything to dread from his resent-
ment. These considerations were very seasonable, for on my
hastening out of the auartment, I perceived that the vessel had
arrived, and the old mr.n with his slaves were landing. I had just
time to climb the tree which before concealed mo, when they came
to the subterraneous dwelling.

" I could observe that they came forward with confidence, which
abated greatly when they found the ground open. Some of the
slaves hastily descended, and soon returned, bearing the deceased
youth, with the knife sticking in his body, for I had not had power
to take it out. At this piteous sight the old man fell down in a
swoon ; the slaves lamented ; and, though unseen by them, I joined
in their grief very heartily. After a time, when they had with
difficulty recovered the old man, they, by his direction, made a
grave and buried the poor youth ; the unhappy father, over-
whelmed with sorrow, threw tho first earth on him ; the slaves
speedily filled up the grave, and then carrying their afflicted patron
on board the vessel, they departed.

" I had hoped to be conveyed to the continent by means of this
ship; but being thus fatally disappointed, I was obliged to con-
tinue and ramble about the island for a month longer, living on
the wild fruits it produced ; at length I discovered a part where
tne channel was not very wide ; I contrived to pass over here,
without much difficulty. When I landed, I set off with spirit, and
presently thought I saw at a distance a great fire ; I rejoiced much
at the sign of inhabitants, but when I drew near, I found what I
had supposed a fire, was the reflections of the sunbeams on a cas-
tle of copper.

" It was evening before I reachod this building, where I was
very hrr.pitably received by ten handsome young men who were

3

50 ARABIAN NIGHTS

all blind of the right eye. They introduced me into the castle
allotted me an apartment, and invited me to sup with them ; aftei
which, at their request, I related what had befallen me. We
continued very merry, till it grew late, when one of the company
reminded the rest that it was time for them to perform their duty.
Immediately, upon a signal given, ten basins were brought in, and
one set before each of the gentlemen. They uncovered the basins
which contained ashes, coal-dust, and lamp-black ; Avith these they
bedaubed their faces, beating their breasts, weeping and exclaim-
ing, ; This is the fruit of our idleness and debauchery.' This exer-
cise continued aloi'g time, after which, water being brought in,
they washed, and each withdrew in silence to his own apartment.

" I was conducted also to my bed-chamber; but though fatigued,
I was too much astonished to sleep. In the morning I very earn-
estly requested the gentlemen to tell me the meaning of what I
had seen, and also how it chanced they were all blind of the right
eye. They positively refused to give me this satisfaction, declaring
that I sought to divulge a curiosity that I should repent of as long
as I lived. Thus silenced, I passed the day with them at their own
request, and the evening was closed with a repetition of their
disgusting penance.

l The day following I renewed my inquiries in so earnest a man-
ner, that one of them, in behalf of the rest, said, It is out of
friendship to you, prince, that we have withheld from you the
information you wish ; but if you continue to demand it, we are
not at liberty to refuse you. Know, however, that you will lose
your right eye by gratifying your dangerous curiosity ; and that
when that misfortune hath befallen you, you cannot remain with
us, as our number is complete, and no addition can be made to it. 7

"As I still persisted, the gentlemen killed a sheep and skinned it.
They presented me with a knife, and sewed me up in the skin, tell-
ing me. 'We must now leave you ; but presently a roc will come,
and taking you for a sheep, will fly away with you. Be not
alarmed ; but when he alights, cut open the skin and throw it oftj
when he will fly away. You will then see a large palace which
you will enter. . We have all been there, but may not toll you wha'
befell us, or explain ourselves any further.'

" The gentlemen then loft me, and presently the roc came and
carried me away. The roc is a white bird of enormous size and
of such strength, that it takes elephants from the plains to the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 51

tops of the mountains, where he feeds on tl'.em. On his alighting,
I throw oft' the skin as I was directed, and the r JC flew away.

" I walked forward to the palace, which wa more splendid than
imagination can conceive ; arid when I entered it I was received
by forty ladies of exquisite beauty, most sumptuously apparelled.
They conducted me into a spacious hall, the doors of which were
of burnished gold set with diamonds and rubies, and everything
wiUiin it of equal magnificence. Here, notwithstanding my oppo-
sition, they placed me on a seat exalted above theirs, saj'ing, 'You
are at present, our lord ; and we are your slaves ready to obey
your commands.'

" Nothing could exceed the desire of these beautiful ladies to do
mo service. They brought in a handsome collation and delicious
wines ; after which they entertained me with a concert and
dancing. The day following was spent in the same manner, music,
dancing, feasting, and wantonness, marked the moments as they
flew ; and the whole year passed away while I thus indulged in
every species of voluptuousness.

"At the end of the year I was surprised to see the ladies enter
my apartments, all in great affliction. They embraced me with
much tenderness, and bade me adieu. I conjured them to explain
to me the cause of their grief, and of their being about to leave
me ; when one of them told me that they were obliged to be absent
.forty days, upon Indispensable duties which they were not permit-
ted to reveal ; and that their sorrow arose from the apprehension
that they should see me again no more. 'This/ continued she,
* will wholly depend upon yourself ; here are the keys of a hun-
dred doors which you will find in the adjoining courts. These we
are obliged to leave with you. You will find abundance of curious
things within ninety-nine of these doors to gratify and amuse you,
which you may enjoy in safety ; but if you open the golden door,
we shall never see you again. And it is this fear lest you should
be overcome by an indiscreet curiosity, that gives us so much dis-
turbance.

11 1 embraced the ladies all around, and gave them my best thanks
for a sorrow so very flattering to me. I assured them, in the most
earnest manner, that nothing should induce me to forfeit their
society, by breaking their injunction. I received the hundred
keys, and having exchanged may farewells they departed, and I
was left a 1 one.

52 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

u My time had been passed in such a perpetual round of pleas
ure, that I had not before had the least desire to examine this
inimitable palace. As I was now at leisure, and had permission to
open ninety-nine of the doors, I began with much eagerness to
gratify my curiosity. It would be tedious if it were possible, to
describe what I found within these doors : all that is boautiful in
nature, or elegant in art was there, in the highest perfection and
abundance. The wealth, as well in jewels as in gold, was incredible.
This immense display of everything valuable and curious was so
extensive, that nine-and-thirty days \vere passed by the time I had
explored the ninety-nine apartments I was allowed to visit.

" The sight of such profusion of wealth which I considered aa
my own, elated me beyond measure; and the near return of my
admirable princesses dissolved me in tenderness. One day only
remained, and one door, the fatal door, alone was unopened, ftiy
weak curiosity was ungovernable. I yielded to the temptation. I
opened that door. A smell that was pleasant enough ; though too
powerful for me, overcame me, and I fainted away. When I re-
covered, instead of taking warning and withdrawing. I went in. The
ycent remained, but no longer affected me. Among many objects
that engaged my attention, 1 saw a fine horse, superbly caparisoned
I took him by the bridle and led him forth into the court ; I got upon
his back and would have rode him, but he not stirring, I whipped
him. He no sooner felt the stroke than he began to neigh in an .
unusual and horrible manner ; and extending wings which I had
not observed, he flew up with me into the air. I had presence of
mind to sit fast. After a while he flew down again toward the
earth, and lighting upon the terrace of a castle, without giving me
time to dismount, he shook me out of the saddle, and having with
the end of his tail struck out my right eye, he flew again out of my
sight.

" I got up much troubled with the misfortune I had brought upon
myself; I found the castle was the same from which the roc had car-
ried me, and presently met the ten gentlemen, who w r cre not at all
surprised to see me, as every one of them had passed through the
same adventure. After condoling with me, and lamenting that it
was not permitted them to add me to their number, they directed
me to seek the court of Bagdad, where I would meet him that
would decide my destiny. Accordingly I put on this dress ; and
Arrived here this evening. })

ENTERTAINMENTS. 53

The third calendar having finished his history, a dead silence
pervaded the company. At length Zobcide addressing the calen-
dars said, " your adventures, princes, are indeed as singular as they
are distressing; and I am very sorry it is impossible, after what has
happened, that we should permit you to remain any longer within
our walls ; but we have also reasons for our conduct. Depart in
peace ; and in proof of our respect, take with you, in safety, these
men your companions in indiscretion; who, but for your Bakes,
should have learnt that we are not to be insulted with impunity."

At these words the three ladies withdrew, without permitting
any answer ; and the slaves conducting the caliph and his com-
panions, the calendars, and the porter, to the gate, civilly dismissed
them. Haroun felt esteem and pity for the unfortunate princes.
Without discovering himself, he offered his services to accommo-
date them for the rest of the night, which being thankfully ac-
cepted, he committed them to the care of Mefrour, and returned
with Giafar to his palace.

In the morning the calendars were introduced to the caliph, and
Giafar was dispatched to acquaint the ladies that the commander
of the faithful desired to see. them immediately. They accord-
ingly attended him. and found the caliph seated on his throne, and
the three calendars placed on his right hand. The ladies having
paid thoir homage to the caliph, that prince addressed them with
great benignity, and told them he had been one of their guests the
preceding night. The ladies were covered with confusion ; but
the caliph praised their moderation, after the incivility they had
received. " 1 was then," said he, " a merchant of Maussol, and
deserved your resentment; but I trust you will not refuse to the
caliph the satisfaction you at that time so properly withheld. Be
pleased, therefore, to relate the reason of your whipping, and after-
ward weeping over the two bitches; and why one of you has her
breasts so disfigured."

Zobeide obeyed the caliph thus :

THE HISTORY OF ZOBEIDE.

Commander of the faithful, my father was a merchant of this
city, who, dying some years ago, left his fortune to be divided
between his five daughters, of whom myself and the two -bitches*
are by one mother, and these ladies by another.

Amine and Safie, being yet children, continued with their moth-

54 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

er. My two elder sisters and I lived together in great harmvny,
After some time they both married; being left alone, 1 em-
ployed myself for amusement in rearing silk. worms, and became
so successful in my management of them, that I found them not
only entertaining, but exceedingly profitable.

In less than a year's time, each of my sisters returned to me in
great distress ; their husbands having squandered away all their
substance, had left them to shift for themselves. I received thorn
with kindness, and cheerfully shared with them the money I had
gained by my silk. As I had experienced the advantage of traffic,
I projected a voyage ; I bought a ship at Balsora, and freighted
it; my sisters chose to go with me, and we set sail with a fair
wind.

Some weeks after, we cast anchor in a harbor that presented
itself, with intent to water the ship. As I was tired with having
been so long on board, I landed with the first boat, and walked up
into the country. I soon came in sight of a great town. When I
arrived there, I was much surprised to see vast numbers of people
in different postures, but all immovable. The merchants were in
their shops, the soldiery on guard ; every one seemed engaged in
his proper avocation, yet all were become as stone. At the royal
palace I found many people richly dressed, in various apartments ;
it was easy to distinguish the king and queen by the splendor oi
their jewels, and their crowns of gold. But the same fate had
overtaken them which had befallen the common people ; the king,
the queen, and their train of courtiers, being all petrified.

Night drawing on, I lay down on a couch. Early in the morn-
ing, I heard the voice of a man reading the Alcoran, in the same
tone it is read in our mosques. I arose immediately, and follow-
ing the voice, I fonnd it came from an oratory, which had, as usual,
a niche, that showed Avhere we must turn to say our prayers. A
comely young man was sitting on a carpet reading the Alcoran
with great devotion. Being curious to know why he was the only
living creature in the town, I entered the oratory, and standing
upright before the niche, praised God aloud for having favored us
with so happy a voyage.

The young man closed his Alcoran, and coming to me, desired
to know whence I came. I acquainted him ; on which he proceed,
ed to tell me that the city was the metropolis of a kingdom gov
erned by his father; that the king and all his subjects were magi,

ENTERTAINMENTS. A.>

worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of the
giants, who rebelled against God : " Though I was born," continued
he, " of idolatrous parents, it was my good fortune to have a
woman-governess, who was a strict observer of the Mohammedan
religion. She taught me Arabic from the Alcoran ; by her I was
instructed in the true religion, which I would never afterward re-
nounce.

" About three years ago, a thundering voice was heard distinctly
through the whole city, saying, ' Inhabitants, abandon the worship
of Nardoun and of fire, and worship the only God who showeth
mercy !' This voice was heard three years successively, but no
one regarded it. At the end of the last year, all the inhabitants
were in an instant changed into stone, every one in the posture he
happened to be then in. I alone was preserved ; and I natter my-
self, madam, that you are sent here to deliver me from a solitary
life, which I must own is very irksome to me. ;J

I readily agreed to take him to Bagdad. I even ventured to
promise him an introduction to your majesty, the great vicegerent
of the prophet, w r hose disciple he was. I conducted him to the
vessel, which we loaded deeply with gold, jewels, and money ; and
1/Aving recruited our water, we set sail homeward.

The young prince proved the most amiable and agreeable of
men, He solicited me very earnestly to become his wife, which I
projnised on our arrival here. But my sisters had each become
enamored with him : this declaration of his reduced them to de-
spair. Envy and jealousy took possession of their breasts, and in
the night they threw us both overboard.

The prince was drowned : I had the good fortune to escape, and
by morning was driven on shore on an uninhabited island. I dried
my clothes, and went in search of some fruits to support me, when
I saw a winged serpent, which was seized by a larger serpent,
who endeavored to devour it. Moved by compassion, I had the
courage to take up a stone and fling it at the great serpent, which
I hit on the head and killed; the other, finding itself at liberty,
took wing and flew away.

In a short time after, a black woman, of good figure, came to-
ward me leading two bitches. " I am," said she, " the serpent,
\Yhom you so lately delivered from my mortal enemy ; in return
for that service, with the assistance of other fairies, my companions,
I have already conveyed the valuable lading of your vessel to

56 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

your storehouses in Bagdad; and to punish the cruelty and in
gratitude of your sisters, I have transformed them into these two
bitches." Having said this, she took them under one arm and
me under the other, and in an instant set us down in my house.
Before she left me, she said : "If you would not share the fate
of your wicked sisters, I command you in the name of him who
governs the sea, that you every night give each of them a hun-
dred lashes with a rod." I am obliged to obey this severe order,
but my resentment having long since subsided, your majesty saw
with what reluctance I comply with it. |

Zobeide having finished her story, Amine rose to satisfy the in-
quiries of the Caliph.

HISTORY OF AMINE.

Commander of the faithful, said Amine, my life, till lately,
contained no extraordinary event. I married early; and on the
death of my husband, which happened very soon after, I found
myself very wealthy, and determined to continue independent.

But one day, as I was engaged in my affairs, a venerable lady,
whom I had noticed at the public baths, came to my house to re-
quest a favor of me. " My daughter," said she, " is to be married
to-day. The family of the bridegroom is numerous and respect-
able ; but alas ! we are strangers in Bagdad. Vouchsafe, then,
dear lady, to be present at the wedding. The ladies of your city
will not despise us when they see one of your quality do us so
much honor."

I readily consented, and she conducted me to a handsome house,
where I was received by a young lady, whom I supposed to be
the bride. After a few compliments, she said : " You s.re invited
here, madam, to assist at a wedding ; but I hope you will be more
nearly concerned in one. My brother, who is rich, honorable, and
handsome, has fallen in love with the fame of your beauty, and
will be miserable if you do not take pity on him!" After saying
this, she clapped her hands, and a young man entered, whose
graceful carriage and good figure strongly recommended him. Not
to be tedious to your majesty, I suffered myself to be overcome by
their entreaties, and became myself a bride, where I thought of
being only a guost.

My new husband exacted a promise from me that I would not
speak co or be seen by any man but himself. Soon after our mar-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 57

riage, I had occasion for some stufls; and having asked my hus-
band's leave, I took the old lady I spoke of (who had been his
nurse) and two slaves to the shops to buy some. The old lady
recommended me to a merchant, at whose shop we chose what we
wanted. I had kept my veil close, and now desired the old wo-
man to ask the price of them. The merchant told her he would
not sell them for money, but if I would permit him to kiss my
cheek, he would present me with them. I directed the nurse to
reprehend him for his audacity; but instead of obeying me, she
remonstrated in his favor. As I was much pleased with the stuffs,
which the merchant would not let me have on any other terms, I
foolishly consented.

The old woman and the slaves stood up, that no one should see
it; I put by my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit "me
till the blood came. *

The pain and the surprise were so great that I swooned away.
The merchant took that opportunity to abscond ; and when I re-
covered, my servants with difficulty got me home. In the eve-
ning my husband came to me, and seeing the wound in my cheek,
asked me the cause of it. I was confounded ; yet not willing to
own the truth, I said, a porter, carrying a load, came so near me
that one of his sticks cut my cheeks. My husband was in a rage.
" To-morrow," said he, " I will give orders to the lieutenant of the
police to seize all those brutes of porters and hang them." Fright-
ened at this, I declared they were innocent. '* How then came
your cheek wounded ?' ; replied he sternly. " A broom-seller/ 7 said
I, " rode against me and pushed me down." u Indeed," replied the
husband, u then to-morrow, the grand vizier shall have an account
of this insolence, and shall cause all the broom-sellers to be put to
death." u Ah !" said I, " they are not guilty." " How, madam." re-
plied he, " what is all this ? I insist on knowing the truth im-
mediately." " Sir 7 " said I, " I was taken with a giddiness and fell
down, and that is the whole matter."

" I have too long listened to your lies," exclaimed he ; then clnp
ping his hands, three slaves entered, w r hom he ordered to put me
to death. As the slaves were in no hurry to execute his cruel or-
ders, I had recourse to entreaties and prayers, and the nurse joined
her supplications in my favor. At last he said to her, " For your
sake I will spare her life ; but think not she shall escape with im-
punity/' At these words he ordered two of his slaves to hold me,

o*

,58 ARABIAN NIGHTS

while the third gave me so many blows on my sidc-s and breast
with a little cane, that he fetched away the skin and flesh. I faint-
ed under this severe discipline. While I continued senseless, he
caused me to be conveyed to a poor habitation, where a strange
slave attended me till I recovered, and then left me.

When I was able to walk, I resolved to go to my own house,
but I found my husband, in his wrath, had caused it to be pulled
down. I determined, therefore, to seek the protection of my sis-
ter Zobeide, who received me with kindness, and with whom I
have lived contentedly ever since.

When Amine had finished her narrative, the caliph asked Zo\ i e-
idc if she had any method of communication with the fairy. '' I
have, sir, a locket of hair," replied she, " which the fairy left with
me, telling me I should one day want her presence, and if I burn-
ed that hair, she would not fail to attend me, though she were be-
yond the mount Caucasus.'' At the request of the caliph, Zobeide
burned the hair; immediately the palace began to shake, and in a
short time the fairy appeared before the caliph, in the shape of a
lady richly dressed.

" Handsome fairy/ 7 said the prince to her, " I have wished to see
you, to entreat you will release the two bitches from their present
situation. 1 must also beg you will discover to me if you can, who
was that barbarous fellow who hath treated this lady with so much
cruelty and injustice. I only wonder how such daring acts could
be committed in defiance of my authority, and remain unknown
to me."

The fairy readily consented ; and the two bitches being produ-
ced, she took a glass of water, and pronouncing certain words, she
threw a part of it upon them, and the rest upon Amine. Immedi-
ately they became two beautiful women ; and the scars in Amine's
bosom soon disappeared. The fairy then said, '' Commander of the
faithful, the unknown husband of this lady is Prince Amin, your
eldest son. She had been imprudent; and her excuses tended
rather to excite suspicions of her having been yet more faulty ;
he is not therefore without excuse. But now he has accidentally
heard the whole truth, he will no doubt receive her again to his
heart." At these words, the fairy saluted the caliph and dis-
appeared.
Prince Amin came forward, and joyfully accepted Amine from

ENTERTAINMENTS. 59

the hands of his father. After which, the caliph invited Zoboido
to share the throne of Persia with him, and bestowed her other
three sisters on the three calendars, Avhom he admitted to his coun-
sels, and promoted to the highest dignities of his empire.

THE SEVEN VOYAGES OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR.

There lived formerly at Bagdad a poor porter called Hindbad.
One day when the weather was excessively hot, he was employed
lo carry a very heavy bin den : he went through a street where
the pavement was sprinkled with rosewater, and there being a
pleasant breeze, he laid down his burden by the side of a great
house, to rest himself. He enjoyed the agreeable smell of the per-
fumes, he heard the sound of many instruments playing in concert,
and saw a grand feast about to be served up. As he seldom passed
that way he <knew not whose house it was; but asking, was told
that it belonged to Sindbad the sailor.

While Hindbad thought this handsome building belonged to
some prince, he was not disturbed ; but hearing it was the property
of a person whom he supposed had been of his own degree, envy
took possession of his breabt. He returned sullenly to his load,
and murmured against Providence, who had given to the happy
ISindbad a life of ease and luxury, while to him was allotted fatigue
and poverty. While he w r as expressing reflections like these aloud,
two of the servants came to him and desired him to follow them, as
their master, Sindbad, wanted to speak with him.

Hindbad did not very willingly obey them ; but as resistance
was in vain, he suffered himself to be led by them into a great hall,
where there was a numerous company at dinner. At the upper
end of the table there sat a comely, venerable gentleman, with a
long white beard : this grave gentleman was Sindbad. The porter
being introduced to him, Sindbad caused him to sit down at his
right hand, and served him himself with excellent wine and the
choicest dainties.

When dinner was over, Sindband began to converse with the porter;
and calling him brother, after the manner of the Arabians, when
they are familiar with one another, he asked him what it was he
had said awhile ago in the street ? for Sindbad had chanced to
overhear his murmurings. The porter, surprised at the question,
hung down his head, and replied, " I confess, sir, my weariness put
me out of humor, and T uttered some indiscreet words, which I

60 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

humbly request you to pardon. 1 ' a I did not send for you, ; ' replied
Sindband, "in anger ; but as I find you murmur at my having ob-
tained the affluence I enjoy, that you may not continue to offend
God by envy and discontent, I will relate to you the adventures
which have gained me all this wealth, and I am inclined to think
you would rather continue in your safe and easy poverty, than be
exposed to the dangers I have gone through, though they have so
greatly enriched me."

SINDBAD'S FIRST VOYAGE.

My father left me a decent fortune, which I, like many incon-
siderate young men, greatly diminished. Recollecting myself in
time. I engaged in traffic : and joining with several other merchants,
we freighted a vessel, and set out on a trading voyage. One day,
while we were under sail, we were becalmed close to a little island,
almost even with the surface of the water, which resembled a green
meadow. The captain ordered the sails to be furled, and permitted
those who chose it, to go on shore ; of whom I was one.

"We had not long landed, when, on a sudden, the island trem-
bled, and shook us terribly. The people on board saw our situa-
tion, aud called out to us to re-embark directly, as what we had
taken for an island, was only the back of a prodigious fish. The
nimblest of us got into the sloop, others jumped into the sea, and
swam toward the vessel. For my part, I was still on the back of
the fish when it dived into the sea. I got hold of a piece of tim-
ber which we had brought, to make a fire with, and by this assist-
ance was preserved from sinking, but found it impossible to recover
the ship.

I continued in this situation till the next day, when I made land,
much fatigued. As I advanced from the shore, I saw a very fine
mare feeding ; I went toward her, when sundry voices called out
to me, which seemed to come from under the ground. Looking
around, I saw a hollow sunk in the earth, in which were several
men, who received me with great kindness, and gave me every
necessary refreshment. They were grooms to King Mihrage.
Every year at that season they brought thither the king's mares,
and fastened them one by one to a stake, till they were covered
by a horse that carne out of the sea, and who, after having done so,
endeavored to destroy the mare, but was prevented and driven
away by the shouting of the grooms. The foalg, so procured,
proving very excellent, were preserved for the king's use only

ENTERTAINMENTS. 61

Had I been a day later, I must have perished ; for the island
was very barren, and they had so nearly finished their business
for that year, that they set out on their return the next morning.
On our arrival they presented me to the king, who, having heard
my story ; ordered me to be supplied with everything I stood in
need of.

There belongs to this king an island named Cassel ; they assured
me that every night a noise of drums was heard there ; whence
the mariners fancy it is the residence of Degial.^ 1 had a desire
to see this wonderful place, and in my way thither, saw fishes of
a hundred and two hundred cubits long ; far from being dan-
gerous, they fly from the least noise. I saw also other fishes about
a cubit long, which had heads like owls.

As I was one day at the port, after my return, I cast my eye on
some bales that were unloaded from a vessel newly arrived, and
presently I knew them to be mine. I sought the captain whom I
instantly remembered' but it was some time before I could per-
suade him that I was Sindbad, so confident was he that he had seen
me perish. When be was convinced, he restored me my cargo,
which, through the favor of the king, I sold to very great advan-
tage. I loaded my part of the vessel with the best produce of the
country ; and had a safe and speedy passage home, where I dis-
posed of my merchandise to the value of ten thousand sequins.f
I then bought slaves of both sexes, built me a fine house, resolving
to forget the miseries I had suffered, and enjoy myself.

Siudbad stopped here, and ordered the musicians to renew the
concert. In the evening he gave the porter a purse of a hundred
sequins, and bid him come the next day to hear more of his adven-
tures. Hindbad returned home to his family blessing God for
what he had received at the hands of Sindbad.

SINDEAD'S SECOND VOVAGE.

I had no intention of venturing the sea again ; but I soon grew
weary, and ashamed of an inactive life. I embarked therefore with

* Degial, with the Mohammedans, is the same as Antichrist with us. They have
a tradition that he will appear about the end of the world, and conquer all the
earth, except Mecca, Medina, Tarsus, and Jerusalem, which are to be preserved by
angels, whom he sh ill set round them.

t The Turkish sequin JH about two dollars.

^2 ARABIAN NIGHTS

some other merchants, and having been at sea some time,\ve cam*
to an uninhabited island; we landed and dined very heartily.
Finding myself disposed to sleep, I withdrew from the company
and laid myself down in a charming grove. How long I slept I
know not ; "but when I awoke I perceived the ship under sail, at
such a distance that I soon lost sight of her.

My surprise and grief were inexpressible : but remembering it
was of no use to afflict one's self when an evil is unavoidable, I
resolved to suppress my unavailing sorrow. I climbed up to the
top of a great tree, that by an extensive prospect I might better
judge of my situation. I saw at no great distance a large white
body : when I approached it, I found it so very smooth, that it was
impossible to climb it. It was fifty paces round, and of a pro-
digious height. While I was examining this phenomenon, the sky
on a sudden became dark, and looking up I saw a bird of a mon-
strous size preparing to settle. I now knew that the bird was a
roc, and the smooth white substance was its egg.

The bird alighted, and sat over the egg to hatch it. As I per-
ceived her coming, I crept close to the egg, so that I had before
me one of the legs of the bird, which was as big as the trunk of
a tree. I tied myself strongly to it with the cloth that went round
my turban, in hopes that when the roc* flew away, she would carry
me to some place where I should find inhabitants. Accordingly,
the next morning, when she took wing, she raised me with her , ,
and when she alighted, I quickly untied the knot, which I had
scarce done, when she flew away again, taking in her bill a ser-
pent of monstrous length.

The place where I was left was a deep valley, surrounded on all
sides with precipices so steop that it was impossible to climb them.
I soon found that I was no way benefited by the exchange. As
I walked along, I perceived the ground was strewed with dia-
monds ; I examined them with much pleasure, but presently savr
objects which at once put an end to all my agreeable ideas, and terri-
fied me exceedingly. These were a number of serpents, each capable
of swallowing an elephant. They had now retired to their dens,
to avoid their enemy the roc; but I had no doubt I should have
everything to fear from them at night.

* Mark Paul, in his Travels, and Father Martin; in his History of China, speak
Of this bird, and say it will take up an elephant or a vhii:oct'ros.

KXTEItTAlNMESTS. 63

I immediately sought a secure retreat, and was so lucky as to
hud one. In the- evening, as I expected, all the serpents left Uieir
dens, and came hissing about my retreat. Though they could
not hurt me, they put me into such extreme fear that I could not
bleep. When the day came, the serpents retired, and I came out
of my cave trembling ; and I can truly say that, I walked a long
time upon diamonds, without having the least inclination to touch
them ; at last, spent with fatigue and want of rest, I was obliged to
lay down to sleep; but had scarce shut rny eyes when I was
awakened by a great piece of fresh meat falling close to me ; at
the same time I saw others fall from the rocks in different places.

This circumstance gave me immediate hope of escape. I had
always considered as fabulous the stories told of the valley of
diamonds, and of rfie stratagems used by merchants to get jewels
thence ; but now I found them true. This valley, from the height,
and from the rocks which bound it, being utterly inaccessible to
man, the adventurers come as near as may be at the ti ne eagles
hatch their young, and by the help of machines, throw very large
pieces of raw T flesh high into the air; these foiling upon the dia-
monds, their sharp points enter the flesh, and they stick to it ; the
eagles which arc larger here than in any other country, convey
these pieces of meat to their nests, to feed their young; but the
merchants frighten away the old bird, till they have examined the
prey, and take away the diamonds which may chance to stick to it.

I now no longer doubted the truth of this account. I began
therefore very deliberately to select the largest and clearest dia-
monds I could find ; and having filled my provision bag with them,
and secured it to my girdle, I took a piece of meat and tying it to
my back, I laid down with my face to the ground. In a short
time one of the eagles seized me and conveyed me to his nest.

As soon as the eagle had deposited me, the merchants as usual,
drove him away. Every merchant had his distinct nest w r hich was
considered as his peculiar property, When the owner of the nest
where I was ascended to it and saw me, he was at first much
frightened ; but recovering himself, he began to upbraid me with
his disappointment ; he helped me, notwithstanding, to descend,
and introduced me to the other merchants, who heard my story
with amazement.

AVhen the season for throwing the meat was over, we all pre-
pared to return to our several countries. Before we parted, J

64 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

took aside the merchant in whose nest I was found, and shcwec?
him the bag of diamonds I had selected in the valley. I told him
I considered him as my deliverer, and frankly offered to share
them with him. He was astonished at their size and beauty; but
I could only prevail with him to accept of one, and that one of
the smallest, which he said would raise him as great a fortune as
he wished for. We parted perfectly satisfied with each other, and
1 returned by the first ship to Bagdad.

We touched at the isle of Eoha, where the trees grow that yield
camphor. These trees are so large, that a hundred men may
easily sit under the shade of one of them. They bore a hole in
the upper part of the tree, whence issues a juice which, being re-
ceived into a vessel, acquires a consistency, and becomes what we
call camphor ; after which the tree withers and dies.

There is in this island the rhinoceros, a creature less than the
elephant, but greater than the buffalo. It has a horn upon its
nose about a cubit long, which is solid, and cleft in the middle ;
there are upon it draughts representing the figures of men. The
rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly,
and carries him off upon his head ; but the blood and fat of the
elephant run into his eyes, and make him blind. He falls to the
ground, and what is very astonishing, the roc carries them both
away in her claws, to be meat for her young ones.

On my arrival at Bagdad, I gave large sums to the poor, and
lived honorably on the vast riches I had acquired with so much
danger and fatigue.

Sindbad gave the porter another purse of a hundred sequins, and
invited him to return the next day.

SINDBAD'S THIRD VOYAGE.

I soon forgot the risk I had run in my two former voyages, and
hating idleness, projected a third. I embarked accordingly, and
after some days' favorable weather, we were overtaken by a tem-
pest, which drove us quite out of our course. Our vessel being
much shattered, we were glad to make the first port to repair our
dumages.

We had scarce begun this necessary business, when we were
beset in a very extraordinary manner. An innumerable multi-
tude of little frightful savages covered all over with red hair,
came swimming about us. They were not more than two fret

ENTERTAINMENTS. 65

high, but seemed uncommonly strong and nimble. Their im-
mense number and horrible appearance so terrified us, that we
suffered them to board and take possession of the vessel without
resistance. This was a lucky circumstance for us; for there was
no hope of escaping, and we learned afterward, that if we had
killed one of them they would have put us all to death.

Having taken possession of the vessel, they set us on shore,
and made signs that we might go where we pleased. After which
they returned on board, and sailed to another island to which
they belonged. We marched together into the country, and had
not advanced far, when we came to a great pile of buildings
which we entered. We found the doors and rooms uncommonly
lofty; but our attention was soon engaged by an appearance
equally shocking and alarming. On entering a vast apartment,
we found various fragments of human bodies, and a parcel of spits
on which they had evidently been roasted. Though we were
much fatigued, we were about to retire hastily from a habitation
which threatened us so dreadfully, when all power of escape was
taken from us, by the presence of the owner of the mansion.

He was a tremendous black giant, as high as a tall palm-tree,
with only one eye in the middle of his forehead, which looked as
red as a burning coal ; his teeth and nails were long and sharp,
and his mouth resembled that of a horse. The sight of so fright-
ful a figure rendered us immovable with horror. After surveying
us for some time, he took me up by the nape of the neck, and felt
my body as a butcher would his sheep. Finding me very thin, he
Bet rne down and took up another ; at last, laying hands on our
captain, who was fat, he thrust a long spit through him, and
kindling a fire, he roasted and ate him. After which he retired
to an adjoining room, where he slept, and snored all night like
thunder. In the morning he got up, went out, and left us in his
dwelling.

Our distress may easily be imagined. For some time we aban-
doned ourselves to despair. But finding we were not confined, we
divided ourselves into small parties, and sought various hiding-
places, where we vainly hoped to continue in safety. In the eve~
ning, the giant found out all our retreats, and collecting us to-
gether, drove us before him into his habitation, where another of
our companions fell a sacrifice to his voracious appetite ; after
which ha retired, and slept as before.

66 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The noxt day we renewed our lamentations, and some of the
company began tr talk of throwing themselves into the sea, rath-
er than die so strange a death. I reminded them that we were
forbidden to destroy ourselves. That as there was a great deal of
timber floating on the coast, we might make small floats to carry
us to sea; and though the risk would be great, yet our present
situation w r as still more desperate. We set about them imme-
diately ; but just as they were finished, the night approached.
The giant again conducted us to his cavern, and repeated his
cruelty.

While we were busy in preparing our floats, I proposed a scheme
to my companions to revenge ourselves of this monster, in case
we were obliged, as I feared we should be, to pass another night
in his power. Accordingly, when we heard him snore, ten of the
boldest of us took each a spit, and making the points red hot in
the embers of the fire where he had roasted our friends, we thrust
them all at once into his eye. and blinded him. He awoke in
great agonies, and making a frightful outcry, he felt about, in
hopes of sacrificing us to his fury : but we took care to be out of
his reach; and finding he sought for us in vain, he groped for the
gate, and went out howling dreadfully.

We hastened to the sea-side, and got our floats into the water ;
but as it was yet night, we agreed not to put to sea till daybreak.
We were not without hope that our enemy, whose howling we still
heard, might die ; in which case we need not risk our lives upon
the floats, but stay till a better conveyance might be made. Day
had scarcely appeared, when we found it necessary to put to sea
with all possible haste ; for we saw the blinded giant coming to-
ward us, led by two others of his own species, as large and terrible
as himself.

We rowed off immediately ; and having got a little w.iy from
shore began to congratulate each other on our escape. But we
were deceived; for as soon as the giants saw us, they ran to the
adjacent rocks, and tearing away huge masses of stone, they threw
them after us, and destroyed every float, except the one on which
I was with two others. We were so fortunate as to get out of
their reach, and we thought ourselves more so, when, the next
day, we made an island, abounding with excellent fruit, which
greatly refreshed us.

But alas ! another danger awaited us, no less fatal and horrid

ENTERTAINMENTS. 67

than that which we had fled from. As night approached, we took
refuge in a cavern we had discovered, and fell asleep ; but were
soon awakened by the approach of a prodigious serpent, who seiz-
ing one of my companions, notwithstanding his utmost efforts,
crushed his bones to pieces and swallowed him up before us : after
which the monster retired, leaving us unhurt, but terrified be-
yond expression.

The day following we passed in fruitless endeavors to escape
from this new distress. But the tide having driven our float among
some concealed rocks, we had not strength to disengage it ; and
were obliged, by the approach of night, to seek shelter on land.
To avoid the seipent, we sought out a very high tree, which we
climbed almost to the top. In a short time the tremendous mon-
ster appeared, hissing horribly. He came immediately to our tree,
and winding himself round the trunk, he ascended with much
ease till he reached my companion, who fell an unresisting sacrifice
to his voracity.

I remained for this time in safety, the serpent retiring when he
had devoured my comrade. In the morning I descended from the
tree, and passed the day in a state of stupefying horror. Toward
evening 1 began to recollect my situation. I gathered together a
large quantity of drp fagot-wood, with which I formed a circle
round the tree. The serpent came at the usual hour, but was pre-
vented by the rampart I had made from approaching me. He con-
tinued actempting to force his way till day appeared, when he
retired.

Though I had reason to be satisfied with my escape, yet the ter-
ror of my situation, and even beyond that, the poisonous breath
of the serpent, had made the night inexpressibly terrible. Rather
than pass such another, I determined if I could not remove the
float, to tear off a single plank and put to sea upon it. I went
down to the shore to execute this purpose, when I saw a ship at a
considerable distance. I presently loosed my turban, and display-
ing the linen, made signal of distress. Fortunately the captain
perceived me, and sending a boat for me brought me safely on
board.

My joy at this deliverance could onty be equalled by the benev-
olence of the captain and merchants, who heard my story with
wonder, and relieved my necessities with great liberality. The
ship was of Balsora, but first bound on a trading voyage to Sail

68 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

bat : I had reason, therefore, to hope I should soon reach my
native country, though not with my usual increase of fortune. In
this last expectation I was agreeably disappointed; for on opening
the cargo when we arrived at'Salabat, the captain, who was become
much attached to me, proposed that I should -undertake the man-
agement of a part of the cargo which had belonged to a merchant
who had sailed on board, but was dead. On receiving the bales
into my possession I found they were entered in my own name,
and that I was actually on board the same vessel in which I had
sailed on my second voyage.

The captain soon remembered me, and restored very readily all
my goods, which he had greatly improved. Thus I became unex-
pectedly enriched by this voyage. I distributed largely of my gains
to my friends and the poor, and had enough to buy another con-
siderable estate. To-morrow (continued Sindbad, presenting the
porter with another purse) come and hear my next adventure.

SINDBAD'S FOURTH VOYAGE.

Industry was now become habitual to me; I soon fitted out
another vessel, and again set sail. After several weeks of fine
weather, a furious tempest drove our vessel on a strange shore.
The cargo and most of the crew were lost, and those who escaped
were in the utmost distress.

Next morning the natives of the country, who were blacks, came
down upon us in a body, and seizing us, drove us before them a long
way up the country. On our arriving at their town, they gave us
an herb, which they made signs for us to eat. My companions,
pressed by hunger, readily obeyed; but I, perceiving they them-
selves ate none of it, and expecting no good from such inhospitable
hands, concealed what they gave me, and only pretended to eat it.

They now set us at liberty, and gave us plenty of rice and other
provisions, of which they themselves also partook. While I was
at a loss to account for their behavior, I found, on addressing my-
self to my companions, that every one of them had lost his under-
standing ; so baneful was the effect of the herb they had first
eaten.

Our masters perceived no,difference between me and my com-
rades. Thev gave us great abundance of food, of which my un-
fortunate shipmates rfte greedily, and soon became fat. Then was
the mystery of our fate made plain. The blacks were cannibals ,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 69

and having first deprived us all, as they supposed, of our reason,
they fatted us up as delicacies for their inhuman feasts. My com-
panions soon fell victims to their cruelty. But for me, partly from
the horror of my situation, and partly from my own care in eating
no more than was necessary to preserve life, I grew every day
leaner. The blacks, therefore, put off my destiny to a future
time.

The barbarians, not doubting but I was bereft of understanding,
allowed me a great deal of liberty; one day, on some particular
occasion, all the inhabitants went out of town together, except a
few feeble old people of whom I was in no fear. I instantly seized
the lucky moment to escape, and disregarding the outcries of those
who remained in the town, I set off with all possible speed, and
gained some neighboring woods, which afforded me food and
shelter .

I travelled many days, avoiding with great care any place which
seemed to be inhabited. At length I came near to the sea, and saw
some white people gathering pepper, which I took for a good
omen. I went among them without scruple, and was overjoyed to
hear them speak Arabic.

These people received me kindly, and when they had laden their
ships with pepper, they took me with them to their own country
and introduced me to their king. I was so well treated by my new
protectors, that I soon recovered my health and spirits. I became
a favorite with the king, and a trivial matter greatly increased my
influence with him. I observed that the prince and all his courtiers
rode their horses without saddle, bridle, or stirrups. I found work-
men, and giving them proper models, I caused all those articles to
be made, and presented them to the king, who was highly pleased
with them. I made others for all the principal courtiers, and in-
troduced several other mechanical arts which were familiar to me,
but entirely unknown in that country.

By these means I conciliated the favor both of the prince and
the people. The king not only made me very considerable pres-
ents, but being desirous that I should settle in his country, he
gave me for a wife one of the richest and most beautiful ladies of
his court. I durst not oppose the royal pleasure ; I received the
lady, therefore, with seeming joy, and lived with her in much har-
mony. But I could not forget my native country, nor suppress a
wish to make mj escape and return thither.

70 ARABIAN NIGHTS

While these thoughts took up much of my attention, the wife of
a neighbor with whom I had become intimate, died. I wont to
comfort my friend, and saluting him in the usual manner, I wished
him a long life. " Alas !" said he, " I have not an hour to live ; I
must be buried presently with my wife. Do you not know/ 5 con-
tinued he, " that it is the law of this country, a law on no account
ever violated, that the living husband is interred with the dead
wife; and the living wife with the dead husband ?"

While he was talking thus with me, his kindred, friends, and
neighbors, came to^assist at the funeral. They dressed the deceased
in her gayest apparel, and ornamented her with all her jewels, and
having placed her in an open coffin they began their march to the
place of burial, the husband walking at the head of the company
They went up a high mountain, and near the summit of it they
came to a large stone which covered the mouth of a very deep pit.
Having raised the stone, they let down the corpse ; the husband
then employed his friends, and suffered himself to be placed in an-
other open coffin, with a pitcher of water and seven little loaves,
and was let down in the same manner. The ceremony being over,
they covered the hole with a stone, and returned to the city.

Though I was struck with terror and astonishment at this bar-
barous transaction, the rest of the company were entirely unmoved.
Accustomed to it from their earliest infancy, they regarded it as a
matter of course. I thought the law so absurd as well as cruel,
that I ventured to speak my sentiments on it to the king but I
found his majesty immovably prejudiced in its favor. "It is a
usage here," said he, '' as universal as it is ancient we have no
trace how early it began, nor a single instance of an exception from
it ; from the sovereign to the meanest peasant." " Strangers, I
hope," replied I, li are not subject to this barbarous law." ' In-
deed they are," said the king, smiling, ll if they marry in this
country."

From that hour I became the prey of continual apprehension.
Every little indisposition of my wife, however trifling, alarmed me.
I renewed with redoubled earnestness my endeavors to escape j
but, as if my conversation with the king had excited his suspicions,
I found it impossible to elude the spies which everywhere sur-
rounded me. In a short time all these apprehensions were real-
My wife fell sick, and in a very few days died.

Judge of my feelings on this dismal occasion. Flight or resist-

7\

arx'.o were alike impracticable. The body was immediately pre-
pared for interment; the cavalcade began, and. I was obliged to
lead the procession. On our arrival at the fatal pit, I begged
leave to address the king and his court, who ? in honor to me,
attended the funeral. It was granted, but to no purpose. In vain I
threw myself at the monarch/s feet, pleading my past services. In
vain I harangued the people on the cruelty and injustice of subject-
ing a stranger to so barbarous a law. In vain I urged that I had
another wife and children in my own country; which plea, as
good Mussulmans, who allow polygamy, they ought to respect.
Instead of being moved by my pleas and entreaties, they only
made the more haste to inter the corpse; and notwithstanding my
exclamation and outcries, they forced me into the coffin, and having
lowered me down, they shut the mouth of the pit.

When I reached the bottom, I threw myself on the ground in a
transport of grief. How many hours I passed in this state I can-
not tell ; but as nature will not support continual anguish, I be-
came at length by degrees more composed. I then surve} r ed my
situation, and found, from a little light which here and there
broke through the cavities of the rock, that I was in a cave of
great length. Innumerable dry bones were scattered on the
ground, interspersed with jewels and trinkets of immense value,
which had been buried with the different bodies; but to my great sur-
prise, there was no stench, which I was then at a loss to account for.

Notwithstanding my hopeless situation, and the misery I felt
in contemplating it, something, I know r not what, preserved me
from absolute despair. I determined to husband my bread and
water with the utmost care : and actually managed it so that
it supported me for many days ; at length it was quite ex-
hausted, and I was just resigning myself to death, when I per-
ceived the stone at the mouth of the pit to be removed. I had
no doubt but another funeral was taking place. Instantly snatch-
ing up a large bone, I concealed myself in the corner of the cavern.
I waited till the second coffin was let down, and the-pit covered,
when finding a woman had been buried with her deceased hus-
band, I gave the unfortunate wretch several blows, which speedily
dispatched her ; and seizing on her bread and water, I became
possessed of the means of preserving my life a little longer.

A Tew days after, when this store, so dreadfully obtained, waa
nearly gone, as I was sitting on my coffin, I heard something walk-

72 ARABIAN NIGHTS

ing and panting as it approached from the interior puns ot tue
cavern; which being entirely dark, I had not attempted to explore.
On this occasion, my situation was too desperate to admit of fear;
and I determined to meet it. As I advanced, I found the noise
retreat from me. 1 continued to follow it, till at length I found to
my inexpressible joy, that it led me to a hole in the rock big enough
for me to escape through.

When I arrived in open day, I threw myself on my knees and
returned thanks to Heaven for my deliverance. I found I was on
the sea-coast, with the immense mountain in which I had been
buried, between me and the town. I perceived also that the crea-
ture I had followed was a sea- monster, who had no doubt come into
the cavern to feed on the dead bodies ; and thence I could account for
the air of that dismal place being so little noxious. Having refresh-
ed myself plentifully with the fruits I found on the mountain. I had
the courage to penetrate the cavern again, and bring away part of
the jewels and other treasures it contained. I did so repeatedly
for some days, and made up several bales of them with the apparel
I found in the cavern.

Soon after I was so lucky as to discover a ship. My signals
were seen on board, arid a boat sent to my relief, which conveyed
me and my bales to the vessel. As neither the captain nor crew
were very inquisitive, they were satisfied with a loose account I
gave them, of my having been shipwrecked where they found me.
We had a short and agreeable passage, and arrived safely at Bag-
dad. I handsomely rewarded my deliverers, nor did I forget to
distribute part of my wealth among my friends and the necessitous.

Sindbad having finished his relation, gave the porter another
purse, and another invitation to hear his further adventures.

SINDBAD'S FIFTH VOYAGE.

By this time my name became celebrated as a bold navigator,
and fortunate merchant. My vanity was so highly gratified by
these distinctions, that I determined to support my claim to them
by undertaking another voyage.

Accordingly, I fitted out and loaded a stout ship, of larger burden
than any I had sailed in before. We had been several weeks at
jea before we made land, and at last touched at a desert island,
where we found an egg of a roc. There was a young roc ii* it
almost hatched, as the bill began to appear.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 73

As we hfMJ been for some time confined to salt provisions, the
Bailors determined to have a feast. Accordingly, they broke the
egg with hatchets, and cutting away large pieces of the young roc,
they roasted them and regaled themselves. I earnestly persuaded
them in vain from this rash measure ; however, when they had
gratified their desires, they listened to my advice: which was. to
hasten on board, and sail directly away before the old roc should
return. We embarked, and got under way with all diligence ; but
we scarce had weighed anchor, when we saw the male and female
rocs appear at a distance, like two large clouds. When they ap-
proached their egg and found it broken, the noise they made was
tremendous.

They rose again immediately into the air, and flew away, so that
we lost sight of them, and began to thiuk we had nothing to appre-
hend. These hopes were soon at an end in a very little time we
saw them approaching us slowly ; when they drew near we discov-
ered too plainly the cause of this delay ; they carried between their
talons, stones or rather rocks of a prodigious size. When they came
directly over our ship, they hovered, and one of them let fall the
gtone she held, which, by the dexterity of the steersman, we evaded.
But the other roc was more successful. His stone fell in the mid-
dle of the ship, which it split into a thousand pieces.

All the crew were either killed by the fall of the stone, or sunk
very deep into the sea. The latter was my fate ; I continued so
long under water that I was almost spent, but on regaining the
surface I found a piece of the wreck near me. I immediately got
upon it, and committing myself to the mercy of the waves, I had
the good fortune next day to get on shore on an island, the most
beautiful and fertile I had ever seen.

The whole country appeared a delicious garden, abounding with
the choicest fruit-trees. I refreshed myself plentifully, and after-
ward resigned myself to sleep. The next day I awoke, fully re-
covered from my fatigue, but much grieved for the loss of my com-
panions.

As the country was so pleasant, I resolved to penetrate further
into it in search of inhabitants. I had not advanced far when,
coming to the bank of a stream, I saw a little old man, who seemed
to be very weak and feeble. I saluted him, which he returned by
bowing his head, and making signs for me to take him on my back
and carry him over the brook. I thought he wanted assistance, and

4

74 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

readily complied, and when on the other side, I stooped that lie
might get off with the greater ease ; but instead of doing so, he
clasped his legs nimbly about my neck. His skin appeared as im-
penetrable as iron : he sat astride on my shoulders, and held me so
close that I thought he would have strangled me.

The surprise and terror of my situation overcame me. I fainted
and fell down ; notwithstanding which, the old man continued on
my shoulders. When he found I had recovered, he struck me so
severely with his feet, that I was obliged to rise, and carry him
where he pointed. At night he made signs to me to lie down, he
continuing his hold about my neck and in the morning, when he
wished to rise, he struck me with his feet, as a signal to get up,
with him on my shoulders.

In this manner I continued for a considerable time, burdened
with the execrable old fellow, who never left me for a single mo-
ment. One day I found in my way some dry calabashes ; I took
a large one, and having cleaned it, I filled it with the juice of grapes
and set it in a convenient place. Some time after, I returned thither,
and found my Avine very good. I drank heartily of it, which raised
my spirits, and I began to sing and dance as I walked along.

The old man, perceiving what effect the Avine had upon me, made
signs for me to give him some. I gave him the calabash, and he
was so pleased Avith the liquor that he drank it all. The fumes of
it presently got into his head, he became drunk, and sat Avith his
legs much looser about me than usual. I seized the opportunity,
and suddenly threw him off. He fell to the ground in a state of
insensibility, and with a large stone I crushed his head to pieces.

I rejoiced exceedingly at my deliverance, and regaining the sea-
coast, I met with the CI-CAV of a ship, who had cast anchor to take in
water. From them I learned that my late situation had been more
dangerous than I had thought it. " You fell," said they, <; into the
hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the only one that ever
escaped strangling by him ; as he never left any he had once mas
tered till their strength was exhausted, when he failed not to destroy
them."

The captain of the vessel received me very kindly, and readily
gave me a passage to the port he Avas bound to. My good fortune
did not forsake me. When we landed, I was permitted, through
the interest of the captain, to join a body of adventurers of a singu-
lar kind. I had a large bag given me, and was advised to folluv?

KXTKRTAINHEST3; 75

the example of my companions, and by no means to separate from
them, as I valued my life.

AVe went together to a neighboring forest, the trees of which were
very straight and tall, and so smooth it was impossible for any man
to climb them. As we drew near, we saw a great number of apes,
who fled from us and climbed the trees for safety. We pelted the
apes with stones, who in return threw at us cocoa-nuts, which the
trees bore in great plenty ; and thus, through the indignation of the
animals, we were supplied with those valuable fruits, which our
utmost industry could not otherwise have obtained.

By diligently following this avocation, I soon got together a very
considerable cargo of cocoa-nuts. I sailed with these to another
port, where I exchanged them for pepper and aloes, and after some
time arrived at Balsora, very considerably enriched.

To-morrow (continued Sindbad, giving the porter his customary
present) I will relate to you my next adventure.

SINDBAD'S SIXTH VOYAGE.

Some time after my arrival, a few merchants, my very particular
friends, agreed on a voyage ; and they never ceased importuning
nie till I consented to go with them.

For some time we had pleasant weather. We sailed many days
without seeing land, but having a perfect reliance on our captain,
we were without uneasiness. At length the ship was forced along
by a strong current. The moment the captain perceived it, he ex-
claimed, " We are all lost !" He immediately ordered all the sails
to be set a contrary way. but in vain ; the ropes broke to pieces.
The ship, in spite of our utmost efforts, continued to be forced on by
the current, till we came to the foot of a mountain, where she ran
ashore, and was presently beat to pieces.

Most of the crew perished ; the captain, two seamen, and myself
only escaped ; and all but me were much bruised. The captain
told us that all hope of escape from that place was vain, as the
current set in so strongly to the shore, that no vessel could possibly
sail against it. This discourse of his afflicted us exceedingly ; and
indeed, what we saw too strongly confirmed it. The whole shore
was covered with wrecks of vessels, and with the bones of men, who
had evidently perished there. The incredible quantity of riches
with which the strand was covered, only served to aggravate oar
sorrows. Whether it was from this melancholy prospect, or fuv*

76 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the bruises they had received, I know not ; but the next day the
two sailors died, and the day following the captain also expired, so
that I was left alone in this terrible situation.

But I had been too much used to misfortunes to despair. I began,
therefore, to survey the shore, and to cast about in my mind for a
possibility of relief. On examining the mountain, I soon found that
all hope of climbing was in vain, for it was not only stupendously
high, but in many parts absolutely perpendicular. The account of
the current setting in everywhere to the shore, I found also to be
true. I had almost given up every hope, when I discovered a riv-
ulet of fresh water, which, instead of running into the sea, penetra-
ted the bottom of the mountain. To this place I with much labor
brought pieces of the wreck, and formed a large and strong float.
Having secured this properly., I went in search of provisions. I
found shell-fish in great abundance ; I conveyed a large quantity of
these on board my float, resolving to trust myself on it, and take the
chance whither the current might convey me. Before I embarked,
I collected great quantities of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and am-
bergris ; these I formed into bales, and fastened strongly on board
my vessel, and cutting the cable, committed myself to fortune.

The stream conveyed me into a hollow passage, under the moun-
tain, which was entirely dark. I sailed many days in this situation,
husbanding my shell-fish with great care. My food was at last ex-
hausted ; I grew faint, and insensibly fell into a deep sleep. How
long it continued I know not, but when I awoke, I found my float
drawn on shore, and myself surrounded by a great number of ne-
groes. I arose, and saluted them they spoke to me, but I could
not understand them : yet I was so transported with joy that I re-
peated aloud in Arabic, " Cal) upon the Almighty, and he will help
thee; thou needest not perplex thyself in trouble, for God can,
change thy bad fortune into good."

Happily one of the negroes understood Arabic; from him I
learned, that my float having been discovered in the river, they had
dra^n it on shore ; but finding me fast asleep, they had waited till
i awoke. He then requested that I would tell them by what acci-
dent I came into such a situation. I related my story, which the
black interpreted to them. When I had finished, they desired I
would suffer them to conduct me to the king, that I might relate so
extraordinary an adventure to him myself. I cheerfully consented,
on which they furnished me with a horse, and while some of them

ENTERTAINMENTS. 77

attended me, others contrived to convey my float and cargo after me.
I was very favorably received by the king, and thankfully ac-
cepted his invitation of reposing some time in his court to recover
from my fatigue. During this time, I made a pilgrimage to the
place where Adam was confined after his banishment from paradise.

The island was called Serendib ; it is exceedingly pleasant and
fertile. The people were hospitable, and so just that lawsuits are
unknown among them. The magnificence of the palace, and the
splendor of their prince, when he appears in public, are truly ad-
mirable. On this occasion, the king has a throne fixed on the back
of an elephant: before him an officer carries a golden lance in his
hand, and behind the throne there is another who supports a column
of gold ; the guard amount to a thousand men, all clad in silk and
cloth of gold. While the king is on his march, the officer who car-
ries the lance, cries out, occasionally, " Behold the great monarch;
the potent and redoubtable sultan of the Indies; whose palace is
covered with an hundred thousand rubies, and who possesses twenty
thousand crowns, enriched with diamonds ; behold the crowned
monarch ; greater than the greatest of princes !" After which the
officer who is behind, cries out, " This monarch, so great, so power-
ful, must die, must die, must die !' J The officer who is before re-
plies, " Praise be to him who liveth forever ! ;;

After I had continued some time in the capital, I requested the
king's permission to return to my own country, which he imme-
diately granted, in the most obliging and most honorable manner.
He forced me to accept a very rich present ; and at the same time
intrusted to my care, one of immense value, which he directed me
to present with a letter,* in his name, to our sovereign, the caliph
Haroun Alraschid.

Our voyage was short and pleasant. I had the honor to deliver
the letter and present of the king of Serendib to the commander
of the faithful; after which I retired to my own dwelling, rejoicing

* The contents of the king of Serendib's letter were : " The king of the Indies,
before whom march an hundred elephants who lives in a palace that shines
with an hundred thwisaud rubies, and who has in his treasury twenty thousand
crowns enriched with diamonds; to the caliph Haroun Alraschid.

"Though the present we send you be inconsideiable, receive it, however, as a
brother and a friend, in consideration of the h> arty f i- nd>liip which we bear
you, and of which we are willing to give you proof. We desire the same pait
iu your friend-hip, considering that we believe it to be our merit, being of the
same digui-vy .vith yourself. We conjme jou this in quality of a broUv?r Adieu.

7b ARABIAN NIGHTS

with my friends, to whom and to the poor I was bountiful, and re-
solving to pass the rest of my days among them.

Sindbad presented the porter as before with a hundred sequins,
and desired him to attend the day following, to hear an account of
his last voyage.

SINDBAD'S SEVENTH VOYAGE.

I had now determined to go no more to sea. My wealth was
unbounded, my reputation established, my curiosity amply gratified,
and my years began to require rest ; so that I thought only of en-
joying the fruit of my former toils and dangers. But the caliph
sending for me, told me he had resolved to answer the letter of the
king of Serendib, and to return him a present of equal value to
that which I had brought him, and that he had fixed on me to be
the bearer of it.

I wished much to be excused, and for that purpose related to the
caliph the many perils I had been in. The commander of the
faithful expressed his surprise and satisfaction at my narrative;
but persisting in his desire. I cheerfully prepared to obey his com-
mands.

As soon as the caliph's letter* a'nd present were ready, I set sail,
and after a safe and pleasant voyage I arrived at the island of
Serendib, and discharged my commission. The king received me
in the most distinguished manner, and expressed himself much
pleased with the caliph's friendship. I stayed a short time at the
palace, and then re-embarked for Balsora, but had not the good
fortune to arrive there as I hoped. Providence ordered it otherwise.

Within three days of our departure, we fell in with a corsair,
who took us captives, and carrying us .into port, sold us all for
slaves. I was bought by a wealthy merchant, who treated me very
kindly. He inquired if I understood the use of the bow, and seemed
much pleased, when I told him it had been one of the exercises of
my youth, and that I had always delighted in it. He gave me a

* The caliph's letter was as follows: "Greeting, in the name of the Sovereign
Guide of the right way, to the potent and happy sultan, from Abdallah Haroun
Alraschid. whom God hath set in the place of honor, after his ancestors of happy
memory.

"We received your letter with joy, aud send you this from the council of our
port, tha garden of superior wits. We hope when you look upon it, you will Gad
our good intention, and be pleased with it. Adii-.u."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 79

bow and arrow, and carried ine to a vast forest. " Climb up," said
he, " one of these trees. This forest abounds with elephants; as
they come within bowshot, shoot at them, and if any one falls,
come and give me notice."

I continued in the tree all night. In the morning I saw many
elephants, and shot at them ; at last one dropped. I hastened to
acquaint my patron with my success, who commended my dexterity,
and caressed me very much. We returned to the forest, and buried
the elephant in the earth ; my patron intending to take away the
teeth, when the body was decayed, to trade with.

For two months I continued to kill an elephant every day, some-
times from one tree, sometimes from another. One morning, while
I was looking out for them, I perceived they did not cross the forest
as usual, but came in great numbers directly toward the tree
where I was. Their approach alarmed me so much that my bow
and arrows fell out of my hand; and my terror greatly increased,
when one of the largest of them wound his trunk round the body
of the tree in which I was, and pulled so strong that he soon tore
it up by the roots, and threw it on the ground. As I was falling
with the tree, I gave myself up for lost; but the elephant, wheu
I reached the earth, took me up gently, and placed me on his back.
Ho then went at the head of his companions into the heart of the
forest, when stopping suddenly, he took hold of me with his trunk,
and set me down on the ground. Immediately he and all his com-
panions retired and left me.

I had been so extremely agitated during these transactions, that
it was a considerable time before I recovered the use of my facul-
ties. When I became composed enough to look about me, I found
I was upon a long and broad hill, covered all over with the bones
and teeth of elephants. I could not but admire the wonderful in-
stinct of these sagacious animals. They had perceived, no doubt,
that we buried such of their companions as we killed, and after-
ward opened the earth, and took away their teeth ; I concluded,
therefore, that they had conducted me to their burial-place, that
we might obtain our desires without persecuting them.

I returned to the city, and found my patron in great trouble
about me. I related to him my adventure, which he would hardly
believe. We set out next morning for tbe hill, where he soon
found everything I had told him was true. We took away with us
ivory tv; a great value ; and on our return to the city, my patron

80 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

embraced me, and said, "Brother, God give you all happiness; I
declare before him that I will give you your liberty. 1 will riot
hold hi bondage a moment longer the man who hath so greatly
enriched me.

" Know now," continued he, " the perilous service you have
been engaged in. We buy slaves here solely for the purpose of
procuring us ivory ; and notwithstanding all our care, the elephants
every year kill a great many of them. You have been preserved
most marvellously from their fury. Think not that by restoring
you to freedom, I suppose you sufficiently rewarded: when 1 pro-1
cure you a vessel to convey you home, you will find me more sub-
stantially grateful."

Agreeably to this promise, my patron was diligent in providing
me with a ship, and having met with one, he freighted it witli ivory
and gave me both the vessel and cargo, we parted with mutual
expressions of regard, and in a short time I returned home, with
another great addition to my fortune. On my arrival at Bagdad,
I waited on the caliph, and related my adventure to him, which he
heard with much pleasure. He dismissed me very graciously, and
I have since devoted my time wholly to my family, kindred, and
friends.

Sindbad having finished the relation of his voyages, addressed
himself to Hindbad thus : " You now know by what means I have
acquired the opulence you envied me. Say, have -I not gained it
through dangers more than equal to its value : and ought I not
to enjoy myself?" The porter modestly owned the truth of Siiid-
bad's reasoning, adding due praises to his generosity, and prayers
for his future welfare. Sindbad repeated his present of a hundred
sequins. His liberality had raised Hindbad from his penury, and
finding him worthy of esteem, the generous sailor received him
among the number of his intimate acquaintances.

THE HISTORY OF THE THREE APPLES.

In one of those evening excursions, which the caliph Haroun
Alraschid frequently made about his capital in disguise, he saw
a man with some nets over his shoulder, walking slowly along.
Something disconsolate in his air attracted the attention of the
caliph, who asked him familiarly why he was so sad. " I am a
fisherman," replied he, " and am just landed from a day's severe
and fruitless toil. My sorrow arises from my disappointment, hav

ENTIiKTAINMENTS. 81

ing a large family, who depend upon my la.bor, which to-day hath
been thrown away. ;; " If you are not too much fatigued," replied
the caliph, " aud will cast your nets once more, I will give you a
hundred sequins for the haul, whether successful or not." The
fisherman heard the offer of so large a reward with equal joy and
surprise ; aud readily returned to the Tigris, accompanied by the
caliph, Giafar, and Mesrour.

The fisherman threw in his nets, and brought up a trunk, close
shut, and very heavy. The caliph ordered the vizier to pay him
the hundred sequins, and directed Mesrour to convey the trunk to
the palace, whither he also retired, impatient to examine the con-
tents of it ; which, to his amazement, he found to be the body of a
beautiful young lady, divided into quarters.

The wonder of the caliph soon changed into fury against his
vizier. " Wretch, !; said he, " is it thus you watch over the police
of my capital, intrusted to your peculiar care ? Are such impious
murders committed with impunity, almost in our presence ? Bring
to justice within three days, ;; continued the enraged caliph, " the
murderers of this woman, or thou and forty of thy kindred shall
die by the hand of the executioner."

The consternation of the vizier was extreme. He knew the vio-
lent temper of his master too well to expect any good from expos-
tulation. He set about the inquiry, therefore, with the utmost
diligence; he took the assistance of all the officers of justice in
Bagdad. The search was rigid and universal, but entirely inef-
fectual; not the least information being obtained, which tended to
a discovery.

On the third day the unfortunate vizier was summoned to a"
pear at the foot of the throne ; and being unable to produce the
offender, the enraged caliph ordered him, and forty of the noble
family of the Berrnicides, his kindred, to be hanged up at the gate
of the palace. A public crier proclaimed through the whole city
the caliph's harsh decree, the cause of it, and that it would imme-
diately be put in execution. Gibbets were erected without delay;
and the vizier, with his relations, were led out to suffer, amidst the
tears of the people, to whom theii* virtues had endeared them.

At the instant the execution was about to take place, a young
man of good address pushed forward and calling out to the offi-
cers cf justice, said, " I alone am the criminal. It is I," said he,
" who committed the murder, and I only ought to suffer.''

4*

82 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

"While he was yet speaking, an old man cried out to the vizier,
" illustrious Giafar, believe not that rash young man. I am the
wretch who have brought you and your friends into so much dan-
ger." The vizier, though rejoiced at his own escape, pitied these
unfortunate men, who each persisted in declaring his own iiilt,
and exculpating the other. The judge criminal conducted his pris-
oners and the two men before the caliph ; who, having heard his re-
port ; sullenly dismissed the Bermicides, ordering Giafar to resume
his office, and commanded both the men to be hanged. The vizier,
notwithstanding his past sufferings, humanly interposed, and rea-
soned with his master, that they both could not be guilty. The
young man hearing this, cried out, "I swear by the great God who
raised the heavens so high, that I am the man who killed the
lady, cut her into quarters, and threw her into the Tigris : I re-
uounce my part of happiness among the just, at the day of judg-
ment, if what I say be not truth." This solemn oath, and the
silence of the old man, convinced the caliph. " Wretch," said he,
14 what could induce you to commit so horrid a crime ? What
madness impels you to rush upon your fate, by thus audaciously
avowing ifr ?" tl Alas !" replied the young man, u I do not wish to
live ; yet I trust if your majesty will deign to hear me, I shall be
found more unfortunate than criminal." The curiosity of the
caliph was excited : he ordered the young man to relate his story,
which he did, in these words :

" Commander of the faithful, the murdered lady was my wife,
and daughter of this old man, who is my uncle. We passed seve-
ral happy years together. I have three children by her, and our
affection for each other was unbounded.

" A few weeks ago my wife became sick : in this situation she
expressed a great desire for some apples. I immediately endeav-
ored to procure some ; but though I offered a sequin apiece, I
could not find one in Bagdad. On the contrary, I learned that
there were none to be had at this season, in any place, but in your
majesty's garden at Balsora.

" Being very desirous to gratify my wife, I disregarded the dis-
tance, and set out thither. I purchased three apples, at a great
price, which was all the garden'er could spare me ; and returned
in fifteen days to Bagdad, much pleased with my success. But
when I came home, my wife's desire for them had passed away.
She accepted them, notwithstanding, very kindly, and though she
contij ued sick, she did not cease to be affectionate

ENTERTAINMENTS. 83

" Some days after, as I was sitting in my shop, an ugly, tall,
black slave came into it, with an apple in his hand. My heart
sunk when I saw it, as I was convinced there was not one in the
city but those I had brought from Balsora. I asked him hastily
how he caine by it. ' 'Tis a present, 7 replied he, smiling, ' from
my mistress : I have just been to visit her, and on taking leave,
she gave me this apple, which is one of three which her kind hus-
band has been as far as Balsora to obtain for her.'

'' I cannot express what I felt at this discourse. I hastened
home immediately, and going to my wife's chamber, I saw there
were only two apples left. I demanded where the other was.
My wife answered me coldly, ' I know not what has become of it.'
Transported with rage and jealousy, I drew my dagger, and in-
stantly stabbed her.

* When I found she was dead, my fury gave place to fear.
Though I did not regret having slain her, I dreaded the conse-
quences of the act. I divided the body therefore into quarters,
and packed them up in a trunk, which, as soon as it was dark, I
threw into the river. When I returned home, I found the eldest
of my children sitting at my gate, crying ; on my asking the rea-
son, ' Father,' said he, ' I took away this morning, unknown to my
mother, one of the apples you broughtrher : as I was playing with
it, a tall, black slave, who was going by, snatched it from me ; and
though I told him how far you had been to fetch it to my mother,
he would not restore it. Do not, my dear father, tell my mother
of it, lest she should grieve and become worse.'

' My son's discourse overwhelmed me with the most insupport-
able anguish. I found I had been betrayed by the fatal lie of a
vile slave into an enormous crime. At this juncture, my uncle
arrived to pay a visit to me and his daughter I concealed nothing
from him ; and the good old man, instead of loading me with re-
proaches, admitted my apology, and joined with me in lamenting
the loss we had both sustained, through my rashness and the vil-
lany of the rascally black. We were yet mingling our tears, when
we heard that the body was found, and that your majesty's dis-
pleasure was raised against your faithful vizier, because the mur-
derer was undiscovered. I resolved, therefore, to submit myself
to your royal justice, the decree of which however severe, I shall
not presume to murmur at."

The story cf the unfortunate young man excited the pity of

81 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

the caliph ; and his indignation was turned against the slave, who
had been the cause of so great a calamity. Nor was he yet rec-
onciled to the conduct of the vizier. Dismissing, therefore, the
young man, he turned to Giafar, and said, " Since by your negli-
gence such an enormity passed unnoticed, till accident revealed it,
I command you to find out this wicked slave within three dnys, or
I will most severely punish you." Giafar withdrew from the
caliph's presence, overcome with Borrow. " How is it possible,"
complained he, " to find out this slave in a city where there are
such a number of blacks ? I will not attempt such so fruitless an
inquiry, but will resign myself to my fate."

Accordingly, instead of seeking for the slave, he passed the first
two days in mourning with his family ; on the third, he prepared to
present himself before the caliph. Having taken leave of his friends,
the nurses brought to him his favorite daughter, a child of about
five years of age. The afflicted vizier took her in his arms to
salute her, when perceiving something bulky in her bosom, asked
her what it was? "My dear father," said she, "it is an apple,
which I have just bought of our slave Rahan, for two sequins."

At the words apple, slave, the vizier shouted out with surprise
and joy. He caused the slave to be immediately seized, and carried
before the caliph: to whom he related the manner in which he
made the discovery. The caliph was much pleased at it, and em-
bracing Giafar, declared his anger toward him was at an end.
" But this fellow," said he, turning to the slave, " shall suffer ex-
emplary punishment." The black, prostrating himself, besought
mercy ; and the vizier, finding the caliph in some measure appeased,
ventured to intercede for him. " I remember," said he, lt a story
fully as extraordinary as this." " Relate it then," said the caliph,
" and if it is so, I will give to your slave the pardon you solicit for
him."

THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN ALI AND BEDREDDIN HASSAN.

There was a sultan of Egypt, who having been bred up with the
sons of his father's vizier, determined, on the death of the old min-
ister, to confer his office on them jointly. The eldest was called
Schemseddin Ali, the younger, Noureddin Ali. They were both
men of abilities but the younger had most virtue and good nature
he was also remarkably handsome.

They conducted the public business very ably : and as the sul-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 85

tan was very fond of the chase, they used to attend him in turn on
his hunting parties which often lasted several weeks.

One evening, as they were talking after supper, Schemseddin
proposed that they should marry two sisters, of their acquaintance,
Nouredcjin agreed; and the conversation was continued, in pleas-
antry, as to what might arise from their nuptials. " If I should
have a daughter and you a son," said Schemseddin, " we will give
them in marriage to each other.". "Agreed," replied Nourcddin;
" it will cement our union, and continue it to our posterity . j;

The discourse was carried on with much good humor, till the
eldest brother asked the younger, what jointure he proposed to
offer ? Noureddin replied, laughing, "Are we not brothers, and
equals in rank? you ought to think of a dowry for your daughter ;
you know the male is nobler than the female." " How !" replied
Schemseddin, haughtily ; " a mischief on your son ! do you prefer
him to my daughter ? I wonder you dare think him worthy of
her. Do you forget I am your elder brother ? Sinco you behave
BO ill, I will not give my daughter to your son on any terms what-
soever." Altercation, however trifling the subject, often excites ill-
will. This idle quarrel between the viziers about the marriage of
their children, before they were born, was carried so high, that
Schemseddin left his brother in a rage, vowing revenge for the in-
suit he supposed he had received.

Noureddin acted still more imprudently. The day following,
the elder vizier was to attend the sultan, on a hunt, for a month.
As soon as the court departed, Noureddin. stung with the unkind
behavior of his brother, determined to abandon him, his office and
his country. He took his best mule, and bidding adieu to Cairo,
he arrived some weeks after at Balsora.

Accident introduced him to the grand vizier of that country.
His virtues, abilities, and good address, merited and obtained for
him general esteem. He soon became son-in-law, and afterward
the successor of the vizier. He had an only son whom he named
Bedreddin Hassan, who was remarkable for his singular affection
for his father.

It so fell out, that about the time Noureddin married the daugh.
ter of the grand vizier of Balsora, his brother Schemseddeu also
married : and that his wife was delivered of a daughter on the same
day that Bedreddin was born.

Bedreddin had jus,t reached manhood, when Noureddin wa*

86 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

seized with a fatal disease. On his death-bed, he related to his son
the cause of his leaving Egypt, and having given him his pocket-
book, wherein all things respecting his whole life was circumstan-
tially recorded, he died as became a good Mussulman.

Bedreddin was so afflicted at the death of his father,, that he
shut himself up in his house, and for a long time indulged himself
in sorrow. But by carrying his filial pity to such excess, he drew
on himself a series of calamities. As he wholly confined himself
at home, and was not seen for many months at the court of the
sultan, the haughty and passionate prince was offended, and ordered
his effects to be seized, arid himself brought a prisoner to the
palace.

A faithful slave, who had heard the orders repeated to the
officers of justice, hastened before them to his master, and gave
him notice of his danger. Thus alarmed, he fled from his house
immediately, without stopping to take the least supply of money or
other necessaries. He determined to pass the night in his father's
tomb, which was a large dome, built without the city. As he
drew near it ; he met a rich Jew, who was a merchant of reputation.
Idaac congratulated him on his coming abroad, and agreed with
him for the cargo of a ship which was daily expected, depositing a
thousand sequins to bind the bargain. Bedreddin rejoiced at re-
ceiving a supply as unexpected as it was necessary. Night draw-
ing on, he entered his father's tomb; where, overcome with fatigue
and sorrow, he fell asleep.

It happened that a genie had retired to this tomb in the day,
and was preparing, according to his custom, to range about the
world during night. Being much pleased with the gracefulness
and beauty of Bedreddin, he continued some time in the tomb ad-
miring him : he had scarce began his flight through the air when
he met a fairy of his acquaintance. He invited her with him to
the tomb, where they agreed in admiring the beauty of the sleep-
ing Bedreddin.

After viewing him for some time, " Genie," said the fairy, this
young man is indeed remarkably handsome; but I am just como
from Cairo, where there is a young lady still more beautiful. She
is at this time in very great distress: and it has occurred to me,
that you and I may very properly relieve her. I will, therefore,
-elate to you the particulars of her situation.

l< This paragon of beauty is the daughter of Schemseddin, vizier

ENTERTAINMENTS. 87

to the sultan of Egypt. Her accomplishments are so rare that the
sultan, who lately saw her by accident at her father's he use, de-
clared, without hesitation, his determination to marry her; but
the vizier, instead of receiving the honor of his master's alliance
with joy, begged leave to decline it. The haughty sultan, in re-
venge, has sought out the meanest and most deformed of his slaves,
and compelled the vizier to give his lovely daughter to him in mar-
riage. The nuptial ceremonies are now celebrating and the'
most perfect beauty in the world, \vill, this night, lye devoted to a
base groom, hump-backed, crooked, and ugly beyond imagination,
unless we interpose, and put this young man in his place.

" Agreed," replied the genie " I \viU convey this youth to Cairo,
and conduct him through the business of the evening ; my power
will then cease, and I must leave you to finish the adventure."

Accordingly, the genie lifted up Bedridden gently, and with in-
conceivable swiftness carried him through the air. and set him
down at the door of the bagnio, whence Hunchback was to come
with a train of slaves. Bedreddiu awakened at that moment and
seeing such a variety of strange objects around him, was about to
cry out, when the genie touched him on the shoulder and forbade
him to speak. Astonishment now tied up his tongue. The genie,
unseen, related to him in a few words for what purpose he was
brought thither ; and putting a torch in his hand, ' Join," said he,
"the bridal train, place yourself at the right hand of the bride-
groom, and when you enter the hall, distribute the sequins you
have in your bosom very liberally among the musicians and dancers,
but still more bountiful to the female slaves that are about the
bride ; nor fear the money will fail, for you will find your purse
continue full. Preserve a perfect presence of mind; carry
everything with an air of authority ; and leave the rest to a greater
power who will assist you."

Bedreddin obeyed very exactly the directions of his invisible
patron. He joined the throng, entered the hall, and took the place
of the bridegroom. His fine figure attracted every eye, and his
generosity gained him the good opinion of every attendant. The
bride was no less struck with his appearance ; and when, accord-
jng to the custom of the Arabians, she came to present herself to
her husband seven times, in as many different splendid habits, she
passed by unnoticed the hateful Hunchback, and approached the
agreeable stranger as her bridegroom.

88 AiiABiAN NIGHTS'

The usual ceremonies being over, the bride withdrew to her
chamber, attended by her women. The company and attendants
also retired ; Bedreddin only remained in the room with Hunch-
back. Ignorant and stupid as this wretched fellow was, he could
not but observe that Bedreddin had received the distinctions due
to the husband of the Beautiful Lady ; and finding him stay when
every one else had withdrawn, he cried out, in an angry and
peremptory tone, for him to be gone.

Bedreddin had no pretence to loiter any longer; he therefore
withdrew. But before he reached the porch, another unseen in-
structor stopped him. This was the fairy ; who bade him return
to the hall, " where/ 7 continued she, u you will no more find Hunch-
back, but the bridemaids come to conduct the bridegroom to his
bride. Present yourselves to them in that character ; and when
they have led you to the lady, boldly assure her that the sultan
never intended to sacrifice so much beauty and merit to that base
slave, but meant only to punish the vizier by the apprehension of
such disgrace. Avow yourself the bridegroom intended for her ;
she will gladly listen to you, and receive you accordingly."

Bedreddin pursued these instructions. He found the Beautiful
Lady overcome with fear and grief, expecting with abhorrence the
frightful groom. Her joy, therefore, was immoderate when she
saw the handsome stranger approach and declare himself her hus-
band. They retired to the bedroom, where Bedreddin pulled off
his turban and other clothes, and went to bed in his shirt and
drawers.

In the interval, the genie had disposed of Hunchback. While
he was waiting the return of the bridesmaids, the genie came to
him in the shape of a great cat, fearfully mewing the fellow
clapped his hands at her to drive her away, but she stared afc
him with fierce and sparkling eyes, mewing still more, and in-
creasing in si/e, till she became as big as a jackass, and then chan-
ging into a buffalo, exclaimed : li Thou hunchback villain, how hast
thou dared to marry my mistress ?" Hunchback, ter rified beyond
measure, began to mutter some excuse, when the genie took him
by the legs, and setting him against the wall with his head down-
ward, enjoined him not to speak a word, or move from that pos-
ture till sunrise, as he valued his life.

In the morning, at daybreak, the fairy took up Bedreddin, and
conveyed him, in his shirt and drawers, to the gates of Damascus,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 89

where she laid him down, still asleep. Soon after, the piople be-
gan to gather about him ; all admired the beauty of his person,
while some with scofl's, and others with concern, expressed their
wonder at finding him lying almost naked on the ground.

Their noise awakened him, and on his starting up, he was sur-
prised to find himself surrounded by a crowd, at the gate of a city.
He inquired where he was, and was astonished when told he was
at the gates of Damascus. " Sure, you mock me," exclaimed he :
"when I lay down to sleep,- I was at Cairo.'' The bystanders
laughing still more, he increased their vociferous ridicule by de-
claring he had passed the preceding day at Balsora.

These 'apparent absurdities made the people suppose him mad.
A great concourse gathered round him, and followed him into the
city; some sneering at him, others pitying. At length, one of the
crowd took him into his protection. This man had formerly been
captain of a banditti, but was now become a pasti*y-cook in Damas-
cus; where, though he behaved well, everybody stood in awe of
him. He dispersed the crowd, and taking Bedreddin home, he
furnished him with clothes and refreshments.

To this kind protector the unfortunate young man repeated his
story in private, requesting afterward his advice. ' There are,"
replied the pastry cook, " some things so incredible in your narra-
tive, that, though my good opinion of you inclines me to believe it,
few others will. At any rate, you cannot safely return either to
Balsora or Cairo. Be content, therefore, for a time, to forget
your birth, and take refuge in rny Souse. I will adopt you for my
son ; no one then will dare to insult you ; and you may continue
with me in perfect security, till some fortunate event shall restore
you to your dignity." Bedreddin reluctantly consented. He was
legally adopted by the pastry-cook, who taught him his trade, and
at his death left him his heir. The son of the vizier, for some
years, earned a scanty maintenance by pursuing this humble em-
ployment.

At Cairo, all these events produced very serious embarrassments.
When the daughter of Schemseddin awoke in the morning, and
missed her husband, she supposed he had risen softly, for fear of
Disturbing her. She arose, also, and presently her father came to
visit her. Schemseddin expected to find his daughter in the deep
est sorrow ; but as she received him in a manner expressive oJ
satisfaction, he could not restrain himself from reproaching hei.

90 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Is it thus you receive me, wretched girl/' exclaimed he, " after
having been prostituted to the embraces of a vile groom ?" How,
my father," replied she, " are you yet in ignorance respecting my
marriage ? The sultan was too just to sacrifice me to the horrid
Hunchback ; he sent a most amiable youth, for my husband, who
cannot be far off, as his clothes are here."

The vizier withdrew in haste, to seek his unknown son-in-law.
The first object he saw was Hunchback, remaining in the posture
he was placed in by the genie. He spoke to him, but received no
answer ; he therefore put down his legs and raised him up. As
soon as the groom felt his feet, he ran to the palace, without thank-
ing his deliverer, determined to complain to the sultan of the
mortifications he had received.

The vizier inquired in vain for the bridegroom : he returned,
therefore, to his daughter's bed-chamber, and examining the clothes
and turban of his son-in-law with much attention, he found the
pocket-book which Noureddin Ali had given to his son on hia
death-bed. Schemseddin instantly knew his brother's handwriting ;
and seeing the superscription of the book, ' For my son, Bedreddin
Hassan," he gave a shout, and swooned away.

On his recovery, he said, u Daughter, be not alarmed at this ac-
cident j your bridegroom is your cousin, the son of my brother,
Noureddin Ali, the cause of whose leaving Cairo you have often
heard me deplore ; a wonderful providence has now united you to
his son." In the book, all the circumstances of their disagreement
were related by Noureddin; the purse also, with the Jow's memo-
randum in it, was found, relating the bargain he had made with
Bedreddin at the time he paid him that money ; so that there re-
mained no possibility of doubt that the husband of the Beautiful
Lady was really her father's nephew.

Schemseddin took the pocket-book and purse, and requested an
audience of his master. The affronted prince still retained His anger
against his vizier ; and Hunchback being about to relate what had
befallen him, the sultan ordered his minister admission, with an in-
tent to mortify him. When the groom had finished his account,
the prince demanded, with an air of indignation, an explanation of
this new insult. Schemseddin besought his master's patient hear
ing ; he then related his conversation and quarrel with Noureddin,
and producing the purse and the pocket-book, showed that the con-
tract made by him and his brother had been completed.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 91

The first transports of the sultan's fury had subsided ; he was now
more calm. He examined the vouchers, and heard the account of
Hunchback as well as the vizier he then began to think there must
be some supernatural interposition in the affair, which it did not be-
come him to oppose. He dismissed the groom, and became recon-
ciled to his minister; arid having in vain caused a most diligent
search to be made for Bedreddin, he caused a relation of the adven-
ture to be registered among the archives of his kingdom.

Nine months after these events, the Beautiful Lady was delivered
of a son, to whom the vizier gave the name of Agib, or wonderful.

When little Agib became of a proper age to receive instruction,
the vizier sent him to a school where the sons of the principal peo-
ple were educated. Agib inherited the beauty of his parents, and
thence, as well as out of respect to his grandfather, was treated with
great indulgence. His faults were suffered to pass unnoticed; even
his whims were gratified. This absurd complaisance of course
spoiled the boy ; he became insolent and overbearing ; he hardly
behaved with decency to his master ; but his schoolmates, every
one in turn, were treated with contempt or outrage, as occasion
arose to offend him, till at length he became heartily hated by them
all.

The master saw this behavior with concern, and determined to
humble him. By his instruction, when the scholars were all to-
gether at play, one of them cried out, " Before we choose our sport,
let us agree that every one shall tell the names of his father and
mother, and whoever cannot do that, shall be considered as a bas-
lard and not' suffered to play with us." All agreed to this, and
Agib among the rest. The others answered readily to the proposer
who examined them ; and when he came to Agib, he replied, ' My
mother is called the Lady of Beauty, and my father is Schemseddin,
vizier to the sultan."

" Not so," replied the examiner ; " Schemseddin is not your fa-
ther, but your grandfather." " How," cried Agib, in a rage, " dare
you say that Schemseddin is not my father ? " " No, no," said they
all, laughing, " he is not your father : and till you can tell us who
he is, we will not let you play with us." They then left him, with
scoffing and derision. Agib hastened to the master with complaints,
but was still more mortified when he confirmed the sarcasm of his
schoolfellows, and advised him, on that account, to behave to them
with less haughtiness for the future.

92 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The saucy spirit of the proud boy could not Tbrook this. He fied
home to his mother, and for a time was unable to speak to her from
passion. When he had explained to her the cause of his agitation,
she mingled her tears with his, overcome with affliction for the loss
of his father. At this juncture, the vizier chanced to pay his daugh-
ter a visit, and being told the cause of their grief, he shared it with
them. Nor was this sorrow, thus accidentally revived, without ma-
terial effect. The vizier determined to go himself to Balsora, in
search of his nephew ; and having obtained the sultan's permission
he set out with a splendid retinue, accompanied by the Beautiful
Lady and his grandson.

After a journey of twenty days, they drew near Damascus. The
face of the country being very beautiful. Schemseddin determined
to rest there two or three days. To avoid the fatigue and ceremony
of visiting the governor, he caused his tents to be pitched at a short
distance from the city. While the vizier reposed, his attendants
went, a few at a time, to view Damascus. Their reports excited
the curiosity of Agib, which Schemseddin permitted him to indulge,
under the care of Schaban, chief of the black eunuchs.

The handsome features and graceful demeanor of the boy drew
every one's attention : and before he had proceeded far in the city,
so many people followed to admire him, that the crowd became
troublesome. At this instant they came to the shop where Bedred-
din carried on the humble occupation of a pastry-cook; his atten-
tion being excited by the crowd, he went to the door, when the
eight of Agib affected him unaccountably. The force of nature im-
pelled this tender father, unknown to himself; he entreated the
child, with tears in his eyes, and uncommon earnestness, to enter his
shop, and accept of some of his pastry. Little Agib was moved
with his behavior, and signified his desire to comply. The eunuch
at first opposed this, as an unbecoming condescension ; but the en-
treaties of Bedreddin, and the annoyance of the crowd, induced him
at last to consent.

Bedreddin received them with great joy ; and taking a cream-
tart out of the oven, he strewed it with pomegranate kernels and
sugar, and set it before them. Agib and the eunuch ate of the tart,
and praised it exceedingly. While Bedreddin gazed on ihe child
with inexpressible tenderness, a thought arose, that possibly he
might be the father of such a child, by the charming wife from
whom he was so cruelly separated. This idea increased his coo-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 93

eern ; he could not restrain his tears, and began to ask the child a
variety of questions, with so much emotion that the eunuch became
alarmed at his behavior. As soon as Agib had done eating, and
the crowd were dispersed, Schaban led him away, and returned im-
mediately to the tents.

Bedreddin, listening to the impulse within him, followed them.
When they drew near the camp, Schaban, turning round, saw him,
and became exceedingly frightened, lest the vizier should know he
had permitted Agib to enter a common shop. He mentioned these
apprehensions to the child, who, giving way to his usual insolence,
caught up a stone, which he threw at Bedreddin, and hurt him se-
verely. The unfortunate pastry-cook, wounded by a child he felt
so much fondness for, and threatened by the eunuch, gave up a
pursuit which he had no decisive purpose in beginning, and re-
turned to his habitation, afflicted and disconsolate.

The day following, Schemseddin proceeded on his journey to Bal-
Bora. He soon found out the widow of Noureddin Ali, but his in-
quiries after Bedreddin Ali were unsuccessful the vizier, therefore,
after a short stay, gave up all hope, and prepared to return to Cairo.
As a mutual esteem had taken place between the Lady of Beauty
and the widow of Noureddin Ali, the vizier prevailed with her to
accompany them. When they reached Damascus, the whole reti-
nue pitched their tents as before, to enjoy a few days' rest, before
they continued their journey.

While they remained there, Agib recollected the pastry-cook
whom he had used so roughly, and requested Schaban to go into
the city with him, to see him again. They found him still employed
in making tarts ; and Bedreddin, notwithstanding the ill treatment
he had received, felt the same emotions of tenderness for Agib. He
ran to him, and would have embraced him, but the boy pushed him
aside; yet Bedreddin pressed him to enter his shop. Agib replied,
u There is an excess in the kindness you express ; unless you will
promise not to follow me when we go from hence, I will not enter
your house ; but if you njake and observe this promise, I will visit
you again to-morrow. ;) Bedreddin consented, and Agib with Scha-
ban went in. and were plentifully supplied with cream-tart, which
they ate with much satisfaction.

Evening drawing on, Agib and his governor took leave of their
friendly pastry-cook, and returned to the tents. The widow of
Noured iin, who had become passionately fond of her grandson.

94 ARABIAN NIGHTS

received him with great affection ; and as it was supper-time, sh)
took him into her tent, and set before him a cream-tart, which she
had just been making. Agib tasted it, but as he had eaten so lately
he left it almost whole ; on which his grandmother said to him,
" Does my child despise the work of my hands ? know," continued
she, " there is no one in the world can make such a cream- tart, be-
sides myself and your father Bedreddin Hassan, whom I myself
taught to make them." "Excuse me. madam/' replied Agib,
" There is a pastry-cook in Damascus who makes much better; we
have just come from eating some of his, which are inimitable."

The lady hearing this, became incensed against Schaban for pre-
suming to suffer her grandchild to eat in a pastry-cook's shop like
a beggar. She reported the matter immediately to Schemseddin,
who, still more enraged, sent for the eunuch, and demanded how
he dared be guilty of so heinous an offence? Schaban stiffly de-
nied the charge ; but the child averring it to be true, the vizier
ordered the eunuch to eat the tart, which Agib had refused ; this
he pretended to do readily, but was obliged to leave off, when he
had swallowed a mouthful or two. The vizier convinced of his
guilt, ordered him the bastinado, when he confessed the truth, and
added, that the tart was much better than that made by the lady.

The widow of Noureddin Ali felt herself piqued. She sent im-
mediately for one of those tarts, which, when she had tasted, she
cried out, li It must be my eon, my dear Bedreddin, who made this
tart. I make them in a peculiar manner, which I never taught to
any one but him and as this is so made, I have no doubt but he
was the maker of it."

Schemseddin received this account with the highest satisfaction ;
yet fearful of a disappointment, he requested the ladies to restrain
their impatience, and leave the management of the affair to him.
" I will contrive to bring this pastry-cook hither/' continued he,
" and you will, no doubt, recognize him, if it is really Bedreddin ;
but even if it is so, I will by no means introduce him to you, till
we arrive at Cairo." The ladies at first. demurred, but the vizier
assuring them he had good reason for this resolution, they acqui-
esced.

Early in the morning, Schemseddin applied to the governor of
the city for leave to carry his scheme into execution, acquainting
him at the same time with the motives of his conduct. Tne gov-
ernor readily agreed; when Schemseddin detached fifty of his

ENTERTAINMENTS. 95

attendants, properly instructed, to the shop of his son-in-law. As
soon as these men arrived there, they began to break in pieces the
plates, tables, and pans, with the utmost violence. The astonished
Bedreddin cried out to know the reason of such ill treatment.
" Was it not you," said one of them, " who sold us a cream-tart
last night ?" " Yes," replied the pastry-cook, " and I am sure no
one could have sold you a better." At these words, the men re-
newed their outrages, and having destroyed everything they could
find, seized Bedreddin, bound him, and led him away prisoner.
His neighbors would have interposed in his beh^pbut at the in-
stant, some of the governor's officers arrived, and dispersed them;
so that the unfortunate pastry-cook, notwithstanding his cries and
tears, was carried off.

When they returned to the tents, they produced their prisoner
to the vizier, who, affecting much anger, said, " Wretch, was it not
you who made the cream-tart which was brought me last night ?"
" I own I am the man," replied Bedreddin. " It shall cost you
your life, then," said the vizier, " for daring to send me so bad a
tart." " Alas !" replied the prisoner, il how long has it been a
capital offence to make indifferent pastry ? yet I am sure the tort
was as good as could be made."

During this discourse, the ladies who were concealed, had a full
view of Bedreddin, and instantly knew him, notwithstanding his
long absence. They were so transported with joy, that it was
with difficulty they could restrain themselves from running into
the tent and embracing him ; but their promise to the vizier ob-
liged them to subdue those tender emotions of love and of nature.

Schemseddin having so unexpectedly succeeded in his interest-
ing inquiry, set out without delay for Cairo, carrying Bedreddin
with him as a prisoner. When he arrived at his palace, he caused
his nephew to be brought before him, and gave orders to a car-
penter, in his presence, to prepare a stake to nail him to. " Alas !
sir," exclaimed the prisoner, u what have I- done to deserve so se-
vere a punishment ?" " Villain," replied the vizier, " did you not
send me a cream-tart without any pepper in it ?" " Is that the
reason/ 7 exclaimed Bedreddin, lt that I have been treated so se-
verely ; have my goods been destroyed, myself made a prisoner,
and led away many days' journey from my home, am I now to be
be put to a cruel death ; and all this for not putting pepper into a
cream-tart ? Are these the actions of Mussulmans, of persona

96 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

professing probity and justice ? Never was man used so barbiv-
rously ; cursed be all cream-tarts, and the hour in which 1 learned
to make them." "It is now night," said the vizier: li take him
away, I will not put him to death till to-morrow ; when 1 will
make him an example to all base pastry-cooks." Saying this, he
made signs to his attendants, who led the prisoner away to an
apartment provided for him.

At the time of his daughter's marriage, after the bridegroom
had been so marvellously taken away, Schemseddin had not only
secured the c^^hes of his son-in-law, but had taken an account of
the situation of everything in the bridal apartments. To this he
now referred, and caused them to be fitted up exactly as they were
on that night. The bridal throne was erected, the numerous wax
lights lit up, and Bedreddin's clothes, turban, and purse of sequins,
were disposed as he had then placed them. These matters being
adjusted, the vizier instructed his daughter in what manner he
would have her receive her husband, when he entered her cham-
ber ; and then dismissed her to retire thither.

Bedreddin, though overwhelmed with grief, being exceedingly
fatigued, had undressed himself and gone to bed ; where he soon
fell into a sound sleep. In this state the vizier's servants convey-
ed him to the bridal hall, where they set him down and withdrew,
except one, who continued shaking him till he was awakened,
when he also retired suddenly. Bedreddin looked about him with
astonishment. He remembered distinctly the hall. He approached
the chamber, and saw his clothes as he had left them on the wed-
ding night. He rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, u Good heavens !
am I awake or not ?"

At this instant the Lady of Beauty, who had observed his em-
barrassment, opened the curtains and said, " My dear lord, will
you not return to bed again? Why do you stay at the door? ;>
Bedreddin on this entered the chamber, and perceived the lady
who spoke to him was the same charming woman who had ac-
cepted him for her husband. His heart leaped for joy at the dis-
covery ; yet recollecting all that had befallen him during the last
ten years, he was silent. After pausing awhile, he examined his
clothes and purse, which he knew immediately ; his astonishment
redoubled. At last, going up to the lady, Madam," said he,
how long is it since I left you !" " Did you not rise from me just
now ? replied she, surely your thoughts are very busy !" ft My
thoughts," said Bedreddin, are not very easy. I remember, in

KXTKRTAINMKYrS. 97

deed, to have Irjen married to you ; but since then I have lived
ten years at Damascus ; I found myself almost, nuked at the gate
of that city, and being insulted by the mob, I fled to a pastrv-
cook. who adopted me. taught me his trade, and made me his heir.
I have passed through a variety of adventures, and have returned
here in good time, as they were just going to nail mo to a stake.' 7 .
4< Alas! for what enormous crime." replied tho l^iy, "was you
to be treated so severely ?" " For no crime,' ; said Bedreddin " I
had my goods destroyed, myself taken prisoner, and was at last
threatened with this terrible death, for selling a bad tart." " You
have, indeed, awoke in good time," said the Beautiful Lady;
" they surely did you great injustice ] but return to your bed, and
try if you cannot dream more pleasantly."

Though Bedreddin rejoiced exceedingly at finding again his
lovely bride, yet he could not compose himself to rest. The recol-
lection of what he had passed through for so many years ; was too
strong to be overcome by the idea of its having been a dream.
On the other hand, as often as he withdrew the curtains, and looked
about the room, he was convinced that he was in the bridal cham-
ber. He had not yet recovered his perplexity, when the morning
appeared ; and shortly after Schemseddin entered the apartment,
ind bade him and the Lady of Beauty good-morrow. At the sight
)f a man whom he lately beheld with so much terror, Bedreddin
was much moved, and it convinced him that his adventures had not
jxisted in imagination only. a Ah !" exclaimed he to Schemseddin,
* it was you who condemned me so unjustly to a death I yet shud-
der to think of, for making a cream-tart without pepper."

The vizier ran to him and embraced him, laughing; he then re
ated to him those circumstances with which Bedredden was ac
jpiainted ; he introduced him to the widow of Noureddin Ali, and
.ittle Agib, who no longer fled from the caresses of his father. The
joy Bedreddin felt in finding himself surrounded by so many persons
leservedly dear to him, made him ample amends for his past suf-
fering, and in their beloved society he passed pleasantly the re-
nuinder of his life.

The caliph Haroun Alrascliid was so well pleased with this sin-
gular story, that he pardoned the indiscreet slave of Giafar; and to
x)infort tie unfortunate young man who had so rashly murdered
he lady, he gav^, him one of his slaves to wife, and received him
uto his service,.

5

9$ ARABIAN NIGHTS

THE STORY OF ALADDIN, OR THE WONDERFUL LAMP.

In the capital of China there lived a tailor named
who with difficulty earned a maintenance for himself, his wife, a:,d
son, whose name was Aladdin.

Die ooy, though of a sprightly turn and gool natural under-
standing, was careless and idle. As he grew ap his laziness in-
creased, lie was continually loitering among blackguards in the
street; nor could Mustapha by any means prevail with him to
apply himself to some employment by which he might learn to get
his bread.

This idle disposition of the boy destroyed the tather. Mustapha,
finding him incorrigible, was so much afnioied, that his grief
brought on a fit of sickness which cost him l.is life.

Aladdin, being no longer restrained by his father, indulged his
indolence to the utmost. He was not ashamed, though fifteen years
old, to be supported by his mother's labor, yet ceased to pay
her the respect and duty of a son.

One day as he was amusing himself with his companions, a
stranger, who was an African magician, passing by, stopped to
observe him. After looking at the youth for some time very
earnestly, he inquired among his playmates who he was, and pres-
ently learned his little history. The wily African then went up to
him and asked him if his father was not called Mustapha the
tailor? " He was so," replied the boy, "but he has been dead for
some time. ;; The magician pretended to burst into tears at this
account. He embraced Aladdin, and told him he was the brother
to his father; then inquiring where his mother lived, he gave the lad
a handful of small money, and bade him tell her he would come
cud sup with her.

Aladdin ran home to his mother, and related to her all the par-
Oculars. The old woman told him that she never heard his father
talk of a brother ; but as the stranger had treated him so kindlVj
and given him money enough to provide a supper, she would make
ready to receive him. In the evening the new T relation came, and
embracing the widow of Mustapha, shed many loars, lamenting
that he had not arrived sooner that he might have ceen his brother
He then produced some fine fruits and wines, and they sat down U
supper.

Diu-ing their meal the magician pretended to admire Alr.d.'h
much. * He must be very like what his father was at Us age,'

ENTKKTAJ N MEXTri. 99

said he ; " for though it is forty years since I left my native
country, my love for my brother kept his features in my mind, and
I recollected them the instant I gaw him." Then turning to Alad-
din, he asked him what trade he had chosen ? Aladdin, who wan
ashamed of his not being able to answer such a question, hung
down his head and blushed; but his mother replied that he was an
idle fellow, who would do nothing but loiter in the streets : and
went on giving him the character he deserved.

Aladdin was covered with confusion at his mother's report of
him; and the magician added to his concern by blaming him
severely. He recommended to the young man that he should apply
himself to traffic. ll I,' 7 said he, " can instruct you how to buy your
goods. I will take a shop, and furnish it for you with stuffs and
linens. These I will give you to begin with, if you will promise
to be diligent. 77 Aladdin did not want sense though he hated
work ; he knew that the keepers of such shops were respected ; he
accepted therefore his new uncle's offer with great thankfulness.

The day following the magician called upon them again early.
He took Aladdin out with him, and gave him handsome clothes,
suitable to the station of a merchant ; he put some money also in his
pocket, and made a treat for some principal merchants, on purpose
to introduce his pretended nephew to them. Aladdin and his
mother were by these means completely deceived. They never
doubted but the man who heaped so many favors upon them was
really their near relation, and blessed Providence for their good
fortune in being found out by him.

The magician continued caressing them till he had obtained full
possession of their confidence. One evening at supper, he said to
his pretended sister-in-law, " I am thinking, as to-morrow will be
Friday, to take Aladdin and show him the gardens out of town
where the gentry walk ; and as he has never been there, and prob-
ably will like to see them all, I will take some refreshments with us,
and we will ifct return till night.'' To this proposal Aladdin and
his mother consented with great pleasure.

In the morning, the young man, dressed in all his new finery, at-
tended the magician accordingly. He took him to the gardens
belonging to the sumptuous palaces of the nobility, which were
situated out of the city. Aladdin, having never seen anything so
elegant, was highly delighted. His false uncle drew him by de-
grees beyond them, into the champaign that led to the mountain^

100 Alt Alii AN NIGHTS

amusing him all the way with pleasant stories, intermixed with
advice to drop his boyish acquaintance, and converse V7ith men.
Aladdin, though well pleased with this discourse, began to tire,which
the magician perceiving, proposed that they should sit down and
rest. He then produced a parcel of cakes and sweetmeats, and
gave the lad as many as he chose, after which they pursued their
walk.

At length they enmo to a valley which separated two mountains
of considerable height. The magician told Aladdin he would show
him some things very extraordinary. He directed him to gtlher a
parcel of dry sticks and kindle a fire ; which being done, the
African cast a perfume in it, and pronounced certain magical
words; immediately a great smoke arose, after which the earth
trembled a little, and opening, discovered a stone about half a yard
square. Aladdin was so frightened at what he saw, that he would
have run away; but the magician catching hold of him, gave him
so violent a blow that it knocked him down.

The youth arose, and with tears in his eyes, asked his supposed
uncle what he had done to merit such severity. The African's
view was to make the boy stand in awe of him, that he might
without hesitation obey his orders, and execute what he had for
him to do. He chid him therefore for his want of resolution and
confidence in him, whom he ought to consider as his second father.
He then began to talk to him with his usual affability. " There is
hidden," said he, " under that stone an immense treasure, which you
may possess if you carefully observe my instructions. Aladdin
promised the most exact obedience. The magician embraced him,
and putting a ring on his finger, bade him pronouncD the name of
his father and grandfather, and raise up the stone. Aladdin did as
he was directed ; and notwithstanding its immense size, he removed
the stone with great ease, and discovered a hole several feet deep,
and steps to descend lower.

" Observe," said the African, " what I am going ft) say to you.
Not only the possession of the treasure, but your life itself will
depend on your punctual attention. Though I have opened this
cave, I am forbidden to enter it ; that honor is permitted only to you.
Go down boldly then. You will find at the bottom of these steps,
three great halls, in each of which you will see a large number
of coffers full of gold and silver. Be sure you do not meddle with
them; nor must you suffer your very clothes to touch the walls

ENTERTAINMENTS. 101

If jou do, you will instantly perish. When you are through theso
halls, you will come to a garden. Here you will be perfectly
safe, and may handle anything you see. At the further end of iS
you will find a lamp, burning in a niche. Take that lamp down,
throw away the wick, pour out the liquor, and put the lamp in
your bosom to bring to me. ;j

Aladdin obeyed exactly his supposed uncle. He went through
the halls with as much precaution as the fear of death could inspire.
He crossed the garden, secured the lamp in his bosom, and then
began to look about with ease and composure. He found the
trees were loaded with fruits of many colors. Transparent, white,
red, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The transparent were dia-
monds ; the white, pearls; the red, rubies; the green, emeralds ;
the blue, turquoises ; the purple, amethysts ; and the. yellow, sap-
phires. All these fruits were large, and uncommonly beautiful.
Aladdin, though he knew nothing of their value, was yet much
pleased with them ; and as he had been told he might safely
meddle with anything in the garden, he filled his pockets with
some of each sort, and even crammed as many as he could into
his bosom. He then returned through the halls with the same
precaution as before; and having ascended the steps, he called out
to his uncle to assist him with his hand, and pull him out of the
cave.

Nothing could be further from the intention of the magician than
to deliver Aladdin from the cave. He had found by his books
that there was such a lamp concealed in a subterraneous abode in.
China, which would render the possessor more powerful than any
prince in the world ; but as he was not permitted to enter the
place himself, h^ resolved therefore to seduce some friendless boy
to fetch him the wonderful talisman, and having gained it, to shut
up the cave, and leave him to his fate. When Aladdin therefore
called out for his assistance, he called as loudly for the lamp. The
young man would have readily given it to him, if he had not buried
it in his bosom by the quantity of jewels he had put over it ; and
being ashamed to own that, he entreated his supposed uncle j^o help
him out, and he would deliver it to him immediately.

The dispute had lasted a short time, and neither of them were
disposed to give way, when the magician turned his head ai^d saw
some of the inhabitants of the city were entering the valley. Fear
of being discovered by them, and rage at the obstinacy of the young

102 AKABIAN NIGHTS

man, overcame every other consideration. Tie pronounced twc
magical words which replaced the stone, and closed the earth. By
this 5 means he lost all hope of obtaining the lamp, since it was for
ever out of his power to open the cave again, or to teach others
how to do it. But he gratified his revenge on the author of his
disappointment, by delivering up Aladdin, as he supposed, to cer
tain death. He set off immediately for his own country, taking
care not to return to the city, lest he should be questioned respect-
ing his pretended nephew.

Aladdin was exceedingly terrified to find himeelf thus buried
alive. He cried out, and called to his uncle, offering to give him
the lamp immediately ; but it was too late. As the cave was en-
tirely dark, he thought of returning through the halls into the gar-
den, which was light; but here also he was disappointed. The
door, which had been opened by enchantment, being now shut.

In this state he continued two days when in an agony of dis
tress, he clasped his hand together, and rubbed the ring the magi
cian had put upon his finger, and which in his hurry to obtain the
lamp, he had entirely forgotten to take away. Immediately an enor-
mous genie rose out of the earth, with a torch in his hand, which
Illuminated the cave as though the sun had shone in it, and said to
him, " What wouldst them ? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave,
while thou wearest that ring; I, and the other slaves of the ring."

At another time Aladdin would have been terrified to death at
such an appearance ; but despair gave him courage. He replied
rapidly, k * I charge you, by the ring, if you are able, to release me
from this place." He had no sooner spoken than the earth opened ;
the genie lifted him up to the surface, and immediately disap-
peared, the earth closing again at the same instant.

Aladdin rejoiced greatly at his deliverance, and found his way
home without much difficulty ; but so agitated by his past terrors,
and faint for want of sustenance, that it was some time before he
could relate the particulars of his adventure. His mother con
gratulated him on his escape from such imminent danger, and was
not sparing of her execrations against the treacherous impostor
who led him into it.

The next morning when Aladdin got up he was Tery hungry.,
and called upon his mother for some breakfast. "Alas ! child,"
she said, u I have been so distressed on your account, that I have
art been able to do any work these two days, so that I have n;

ENTERTAINMENTS. 103

money to buy any provision ; and all I had in the house, you ate
yesterday. But, continued she, " here is the lamp you brought
home, and which had like to cost you your life; it seems to be a
very good one. I will clean it ; and 1 dare say it will sell for
money enough to keep us until I have spun some more cotton."
Saying this, she took some sand, and began to rub it ; when in an
instant a genie of gigantic size stood before her, and said, * l What
wouldst thou ? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave; the slave
of all those who hold that lamp in their hands; I and the other
slaves of the lamp."

Aladdin's mother swooned away at the sight of the genie; but
her sou, who had once before seen such another, caught the lamp
out of her hand, and said, " I am hungry, bring me something to
eat presently." The genie disappeared ; and presently returned
with a large silver basin, containing twelve covered plates of the
same metal, all full of the choicest dainties, with six white loaves,
and two bottles of sherbet. Having placed these things on the
table, he disappeared.

When Aladdin's mother recovered, she was very much pleased
to see such a plenty of nice provisions. She sat down with her
son, and they feasted abundantly. When they had done, the old
lady inquired what had passed between the genie and her son,
while she was in her swoon.

On being informed that her rubbing the lamp had caused the
genie to appear, she protested against ever touching it again, and
earnestly advised her son to sell it. Young as he was, he had more
prudence. He remonstrated with her on the great pains his false
uncle had taken to procure the talisman ; on the use it had now
been, to them, and would no doubt continue to be ; as they might
live comfortably without labor. Lastly, that as he was now used
to the appearance of genii, he would rub the lamp when he
wanted anything, at a time when slfe was not in the way. His
mother answered, that he might do as he pleased; but for her
part she would have nothing to do with genii.

The next day, the provisions being all gone, Aladdin took one
of the plates, and went to a Jew merchant to sell it. The Jew
eo m perceived it was of the purest silver, but thinking the owner
ignorant of the value, he offered a piece of gold for it. Aladdin
thought he had made a good bargain. He gave the money to his
mother, and they lived upon it in their usual frugal manner, as long

1 04 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

as it lasted. Aladdin then sold another plate, and so en tih the}
had only the basin left; and that being very large, the Jew gave
him two pieces for it, which supported them a considerable time.

AY hen all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again tt
the lamp, and the genie supplied the table with another silver basin
and the same number of covered plates equally well filled.

The provisions being all consumed, Aladdin was going, as before.
with one of the plates to the Jew, when he was called to by a
goldsmith, who asked him if he had anything to sell. " You go
often," said he, " to that Jew, who is the greatest cheat among his |
brethren; if you deal with him, he will certainly defraud you. 77
Aladdin produced his plate, which the goldsmith weighed, and
counted him down sixty pieces of gold for it. The young man
thanked the honest shopkeeper, to whom he afterward sold the
other plates and the basin.

Aladdin and his mother very prudently continued to live as
usual for several years ; only he went more neat, and instead oi
associating with mean fellows, he by degrees insinuated himself
into the good opinion of the first merchants and jewellers of the
city. Hence, besides obtaining a general knowledge of the world,
which rendered him a pleasant and agreeable companion, he be-
came acquainted with the true value of those jewels he had
brought from the garden in the subterraneous cave. These he
had considered as colored glass only, and had suffered them to lay
unnoticed in a couple of bags, under one of the cushions of the
sofa. But though he found himself possessed of immense wealth,
yet he persisted in living privately, even humbly ; devoting his
whole time to the improvement of his understanding.

Accident put an end to this philosophical indolence, scarcely
excusable in a young man. One day as Aladdin was walking in
the town, he heard an order of the sultan published, for all the
people to shut their shops a*i keep within doors, while the prin-
cess Badroulboudour (that is, full moon of full moons), the sultan's
daughter, went to the baths. Aladdin was seized with a great de-
sire to see the princess ; to accomplish which, he contrived to get
behind the outer door of the bath, where he remained unobserved

As the princess approached the door, attended only by her
eunuchs and women, she laid aside her veil, and gave Aladdin ar
opportunity to have a full view of her. Till now he had never
seen any woman's face but his mother's. He supposed, therefore.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 105

that all women vere like her, and thought of them with indiffer-
ence. But the instant he saw the princess, who was exceedingly
lovely, he felt emotions he had till then been a stranger to. When
she had entered the inner doors, he returned home, pensive, yet
delighted. He passed the evening in melancholy and silence, and
the night in indulging the starts of a restless and disturbed im
agination.

Next morning he behaved with the same reserve and sadness.
His mother had perceived before his change of behavior, and
thought something had happened to displease him. But finding
the same appearance next day, she became solicitous to know the
reason of it. Aladdin, after musing some time, told her the cause
of his uneasiness, concluding with saying, " I love the charming
princess with so much ardor, that I find I cannot live without
her, and am resolved to ask her in marriage of the sultan, her
father."

Aladdin's mother heard with attention and concern but when
he came to so extravagant a determination, she burst into a loud
laughter. " My dear son," she said, %< do you consider who you
are, that have the boldness to think of your sovereign's daughter
for a wife ? Do you not remember that your father was a poor
tailor, and that I am of as mean extraction ? Sultans, if they
ever give their daughters to their subjects, give them to those
who have distinguished themselves in the service of their country ?
Where, then, are your pretensions ? Lay aside, I pray you,
those fancies, which are enough to make me think you out of your
senses.

Aladdin, notwithstanding, declared his resolution to persist.
" Who do you expect," said his mother, " will be hardy enough to
demand the princess of the sultan for you, according to the cus-
tom of our country ?" " You, undoubtedly," replied her son. " I
shall take care," said she hastily, " how I engage in such an affair
I go to the sultan on such a message !" continued the old woman ;
" had you wished me tc apply to some neighbor for his daughter
in marriage, it had been well ; but to seek the daughter of the
sultan, who at cue word can crush you to atoms ! what extrava-
gant madness ! besides, no one approaches the sovereign, you know,
*o ask a favor without a present. What have you to offer the
sultan worthy his acceptance, even for his smallest favors, much
LCSJ for the highest he can bestow ?"

106 AitABiAi: NIGHTS'

u I own," replied Aladdin, " my wishes are extravagant ; but I
love the princess so ardently, that I must resign my life if I do
not succeed ; nor should you think me without resources, when
you recollect what the lamp I possess has already done for us.
As to a proper offering to the sultan, I am able to furnish you
with one which I am sure he will gladly accept."

Aladdin then arranged the jewels he had brought from the
garden, in a vessel of fine porcelain, which showed them to great
advantage ; and persuaded his mother, who consented with infin-
ite reluctance, to carry them to the sultan. " Depend upon it, my
son,'' said she, " your present will be thrown away. The sultan
will either laugh at me, or be in so great a rage, that he will
make us both the victims of his fury."

The day following, Aladdin's mother appeared at the divan, and
was admitted with the other suitors, who pleaded their causes be-
fore the sultan. She placed herself in full view of that prince,
having her present tied up in a white fine napkin, but never at-
tempted to approach him to declare her business. When the
divan broke up she retired, and returned .again the next council
day, when she placed herself as before.

She continued to do so for some time, till at length the sultan
took notice of her, and ordered the grand vizier to introduce her
to him. Aladdin's mother, by the example of others, had learned
to prostrate herself before the throne. The sultan bade her rise,
and said to her, " Good woman, I have observed you to attend
very often from the beginning to the rising of the divan - } what is
your business ?"

Aladdin's mother replied, " Before I presume to tell your ma-
jesty the extraordinary and almost incredible affair which brings
me before you, ] must most humbly request the favor of being
heard by you in private, and also that you will pardon me the
bold, or rather imprudent demand I have to make." The sul-
tan's curiosity was much excited by this preface; he ordered
everybody to withdraw but the grand vizier and the petitioner,
and then directed her to proceed.

She was in no hurry to do so, being \ry solicitous to obtain
pardon for her presumption before she began. The <r;ltan, partly
tired with her prattle, and partly impatient tc know what she had
to ask, gave her assurance of the most ample pardon, and again or
dered her t- relate her business, and speak boldly.

KNTKKTAINMENTS. 107

Thus encouraged, the old lady told him faithfully in what man-
ner her son had seen the princess, and the violent love for her
which that sight had inspired him with She went on with much
prolixity to describe the debates which had passed between them
on the subject, and concluded by formally demanding the princess
in marriage for her son at the same time she bowed down before
the throne, and laid her present at the foot of it.

From the manners and appearance of the petitioner, nothing
could seem more preposterous to the sultan than such a proposal.
The instant he heard it. he burst into laughter ; while the grand
vizier, who had reason to hope that his master intended the prin-
cess for his son, looked on the old woman with eyes of indignation.
When the sultan had recovered himself a little, he said to her,
still laughing, " You have brought a present, I see, to forward
your suit; pray let me look at it." Aladdin's mother hastened to
lift it up ; and the sultan, who expected some trivial matter, was
astonished when she removed the napkin, to see so many inesti-
mable jewels set before him, the smallest of which very far sur-
passed, in beauty and value, any in his own treasury.

The vizier was no less chagrined than amazed at the sight of
them : with the more reason, as he plainly saw they had made
great impression on the sultan, who asked him if the proposals of
a man offering so magnificent an introductory present ought not to
be listened to. The vizier entreated his master to put off his
answer to a distant day ; and the sultan, who was much swayed by
his minister, told the old lady to return again in three months,
hinting that very probably the answer then would not be unfavor-
able.

Aladdin's mother was overjoyed at a reception so much beyond
her hopes. She hastened home to her son, who received her re-
port with transport. Three months indeed seemed an age ; but as
he had never hoped to succeed without infinitely more difficulty,
his joy was unbounded.

Two of the three months passed in this delirium of happiness,
from which he was aroused by news which at once dispersed it.
His mother having domestic business in the city, found all the shops
shut, and preparations making everywhere for a general illumina-
tion. On inquiring the cause she was told that the son of the grand
vizier was that night to be married to the Princess Badroulboudour.
The truth was, the vizier having been alarmed at Aladdin's appli

10 S ARABIAN NIGHTS

cation, had taken every possible means to forward the suit of his
son and being a skilful courtier, and a great favorite, he prevailed
with his master to set aside his engagement with a stranger, and
complete the intended nuptials between the princess and the son
of his minister.

Aladdin was in despair at receiving this intelligence. He retired
to his chamber and rubbed his lamp ; the genie immediately ap-
peared, and made the usual tender of his services. " Hear me
with attention," said Aladdin ; " I have ever had reason to be satis-
fied with your zeal for the lamp, in those matters I have applied
to you for since I have been in possession of it; a greater concern
now calls for an exertion of your power and fidelity.' 7 He then
related to him all the particulars of his application to the sultan,
and of his present fears ; and concluded with commanding him,
the instant the bride and the bridegroom were alone, to bring them
in their bed to his chamber. The genie promised punctual obe-
dience, and disappeared.

At the palace the usual nuptial ceremonies were completed
The bride was conveyed to her bed ; and the jocund bridegroom
admitted to her chamber, shut out all intruders, and triumphed
over his obscure rival But the moment he had set his feet on the
bed, it was conveyed away, with him and his bride, to a mean
chamber. Aladdin was waiting for them. He ordered the genie
(who was only seen by himself) to take the bridegroom and fix him
immovably in an outer house. He then said a few words to en-
courage the princess, and laying a sabre between them, as a proof
that her honor was secure, he passed the night by her side.

In the morning he summoned the genie, to release the bride
groom, and convey them back to the palace. This he performed
EO exactly, that the bed was deposited in the nuptial chamber, at
the instant the mother of the princess was opening her door to
pay her morning respects to her daughter. The vizier's son hear-
ing her approach, ran to the wardrobe to put on his clothes, being
almost benumbed with cold.

The sultaness was surprised to be received by her daughter with
evident marks of discontent. For a long time the princess resisted
the entreaties of her mother, and refused to relate the cause of her
uneasiness ; but at length was persuaded to tell her all that had
happened. The sultaness was out of patience at a narrative eo
improbable. "Yon will do well/' said she to her daughter, " not

ENTKKTAINMKNTS. 109

"to repeat this fable to any one olse. Where is your husband? I
ehall talk with him, and see if he has had the same vision."

The son of the vizier, though exceedingly mortified at the trans-
actions of the past night, was yet too proud of the honor of being
allied to the sultan to forego it readily : he hoped also that the
enchantment which had distressed him, was now at an end ; at any
rate he resolved to conceal what had befallen him for the present.
When therefore the sultaness asked him if he was as much infatu-
ated as his wife, he pretended not to understand the question ; on
which the sultaness answered with pleasure, "It is enough; I see
you are wiser than she."

The rejoicings in the palace were renewed, and all appeared
desirous to promote the pleasure of the bride and bridegroom. The
vizier's son counterfeited so well, that everybody thought him a
happy man ; but the affliction of the princess was very slightly con-
cealed. The sultan, who was extravagantly fond of her, saw it
with great concern ; and though he did not choose to interrupt the
joy of the court at that moment, yet he resolved to inquire very
minutely into the cause of it the day following.

At night the moment the princess and her spouse were in bed,
the distress of the past night was renewed. They wore again con-
veyed to Aladdin's chamber, the bridegroom was disposed of as
before, the sabre was again deposited between the princess and a
stranger, and in the morning they -vere re-conveyed to their own
chamber at the instant that the attendants were entering it to an-
nounce the sultan.

That tender father was anxious and impatient to know the cause
$f his daughter's sorrow. He came therefore as early as conve-
nient to her antechamber, and desired to see her. The princess
rose immediately and attended him. A general explanation now
took place. The princess informed her father in what manner she
had spent the two preceding nights ; the vizier's son confirmed
the account, and, under pretence of consulting the happiness of the
princess, was the first to request that the marriage might be dis-
solved. A stop was put to all rejoicings, and the marriage was
publicly declared void. Many conjectures were made as to the
cause of this event, irlnch became generally talked of. Aladdin
heard of it with great joy ; but took care to keep secret the share
he had in the adventure.

^\ hcxi the three months were expired, Aladdin sent his mother

110 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

to the divan as before. The sultan remembered her; but having
no inclination to give the princess to her son, he consulted his vizier
on the subject, who advised him to demand of Aladdin a nuptial
present so exceedingly valuable that it would be out of his power
to procure it. The sultan was well pleased with the advice, which
he doubted not would effectually prevent his hearing any more of
Aladdin. He beckoned the old woman to him, and told h^r he
was ready to give the princess to her son, provided he sent him
forty basins of massy gold, full of the same kind of stones she had
given him before ; each basin to be carried by a black slave, led
by a young and handsome white slave, all of them magnificently
dressed. u Go," said he, " and tell him on these conditions I am
ready to receive him as my son-in-law. ;7

The old lady returned home much dejected. She thought i';
utterly impossible for her son to comply with this demand, an. 1 .
dreaded the effects of his disappointment. Aladdin heard her re-
port with great pleasure ; and summoning the genie, requested he
would immediately provide the present the sultan had demanded,
that it might be sent before the divan broke up.

In a few minutes the house of Aladdin was filled by the eighty
slaves : forty black' ones, bearing large golden basins filled with
all sorts of jewels, each basin being covered with a silver stuff
embroidered with flowers of gold. Aladdin pressed hi mother to
return to the sultan and present him with the dowry he had de
manded ; and, opening the door, he ordered a white slave to g:
out, and a black one with his basin to follow. In this order thej
all set forth, and the mother of Aladdin closed the procession.

The splendid habits of the slaves, and the beauty and graceful-
ness of their persons, attracted every eye. They proceeded slowly,
and at equal distances from each other, and as they marched through
the city, the people crowded to see them. When they arrived at
the palace, the porters would have received them with the highest
honors ; but he who came first, being instructed by the genie, said,
" We are only slaves ; our master will appear in due time."

When they entered the divan, they formed a semicircle before
the throne, the black slaves laid the basins on the carpets and un-
covered them, and the whole company having paid proper compli-
ments to the sovereign, stood with their arms crossed over with
great modesty.

The sultan surveyed the whole with the utmost amazement and

ENTERT A INM ENTS. Ill

satisfaction. The vizier himself, notwithstanding his grief and
envy, was obliged to own that Aladdin's present merited his re-
ception into the royal family. All the court concurred in his
opinon; and the sultan dismissed the old lady with directions for
her son to hasten and receive the princess from the hands of her
father.

The joy with which Aladdin received this message was unutter-
able. He summond the genie, and said, " Genie, I want to bathe.
Provide me also with proper apparel and equipage, that I may
visit the sultan, who has consented to receive me as a son. ?; As
soon as he had spoke these w r ords he was conveyed to a bath,
where he was undressed without seeing by whom, and washed with
all sorts of fine-scented water. When he had bathed, he was quite
a different man from what he had been before. His skin was clear,
his complexion improved, and his whole body lightsome and easy.
The genie clothed him with a most magnificent habit, and con-
veyed him home, where he found a number of attendants ready to
wait on him and his mother to the palace.

The genie supplied him with ten purses of gold, which he gave
to the slaves who went before him, and they threw handfuls of it
on each side among the populace. By this liberality he gained the
affections of the people, even those of a higher order, though they
did not scramble for the money, w r ere pleased with his bounty to
the ..jmoon people. He was so altered that his former compan-
ions dia not know him; for such were the effects of the lamp, that
those who possessed it, acquired by degrees, perfections both of
mind and person, which qualified them for the high fortune, the
right use of it advanced them to.

When Aladdin arrived at court, and was introduced to the sultan, he
would have prostrated himself in the usual manner, but the monarch
prevented him by receiving him in his arms and embracing him
They conversed together a long time, and the sultan was charmed
with the wit and good sense of his intended son-in-law. The judge
presenter the contract, and the sultan asked Aladdin if he chose
to stay in the palace and solemnize the marriage immediately.

Aladdin with great gratitude daclmec the sultan's offer. u I
would wish first," said he, " to build a palace fit for the reception
of the charming princess, and humbly beg your majesty will grant
tie a piece of ground near v<r r o\m, ll^.at I may the readier pay
my duty to you, ; ' The sultan bid him take what ground he pleased,

112 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

but desired him to consider how long it must be before he could
complete a new palace ; and all that time he should be without the
pleasure of calling him son.

When Aladdin returned home he summoned the genie in the
usual manner. " Genie," said he, " the punctuality and diligence
with which you have executed my orders, deserve every acknow.
ledgment. I have now a commiesinn of still greater importance
for you to perform. I wish you to build me a palace opposite the
sultan's, fit to receive the princess. Let the materials be the most
rare and costly; let there be a large hall in it with a dome at the
top, and four-and-twenty windows. Decorate these windows with
jewels of all descriptions the most valuable you can procure, but
leave one of them plain. Instead of wainscot, let the walls of the
hall be formed of massy wedges of polished gold and silver laid
alternately. Let the offices be perfectly complete, and the whole
supplied with the most sumptuous furniture, and with a proper
number of handsome slaves to perform the necessary duties. Do
all this, I charge thee by the lamp ; in the most perfect manner, and
with all possible despatch.' 7

By the time Aladdin had finished his instructions to the genie the
sun was set. The next morning at daybreak, the genie presented
himself and said, '< Sir, your palace is finished ; come and see how
you like it." Aladdin consenting, he transported him thither, and
led him through the various apartments, where he found his orders
punctually obeyed. The treasury was filled to the ceiling with
bags of money, the palace with the most costly furniture, and the
stables with the finest horses in the world. When Aladdin had
reviewed the whole, he gave it the praise is deserved. He then
orderd the genie to spread a piece of fine velvet from the sultan's
palace to his own, for the princess to walk on, which being executed,
the genie conducted Aladdin back to his own apartment.

As the morning advanced, the grand vizier was astonished at the
sight of so magnificent a building erected on a plain which was
quite open the night before. He ran to acquaint the sultan with
it, declaring it could be only enchantment. "Vi/ier," replied
the sultan, < ; it is envy makes you say so. You know it is Alad-
din's palace. No doubt he has been long engaged in preparing it;
and now has put it together by employing a vast number of people,
and paying them well, on purpose to surprise us. You must believe
his riches are inexhaustible; and he thus shows ur< what can be
ione by money."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 113

Aladdin now sent a message to the sultan, desiring his permission
to wait on him and the princess, and that the nuptials might be
solemnized that day. The sultan consenting, Aladdin bid adieu
for ever to his parental dwelling. He first disposed his mother to
goto the pn lace with her slaves to attend the princess: he then
secured his wonderful lamp, and mounting his horse, attended by a
numerous and splendid retinue, he arrived at the palace.

The marriage ceremonies were performed, and in tha evening
Aladdin went first to his own palace, that he might be ready to
receive the princess ; Avho, having taken a tender farewell of her
parents, set forward on the velvet, amidst the sound of trumpets and
the shouts of the people. Aladdin received her with transport,
and conducted her into the grand hall which was superbly illumi-
nated. The princess being seated, a noble feast was served up.
The plates and dishes were all of burnished gold, and contained
the most delicious meats; the vessels on the beaufet were also of
gold ; and all the other furniture in the hall was suitably magnifi-
cent. The princess, though used to the splendor of a court from
her infancy, was yet much struck with the magnificence of her new
habitation, and expressed her oleasure to Aladdin in the strongest
terms.

After supper there was a concert of music by genii and fairies,
and a dance by the same kind of performers who performed after
the fashion of the country, in figure, with great grace and activity.

The day following, the royal parents came to. Aladdin's palace
to congratulate the princess: she received them with cheerful duty,
arid conducted them to the hall. They were astonished at such a
display of riches and elegance ; but the sul'an seeing one of iho
windows without ornament, inquired the reason of it. " Shy re-
plied the prince, for so Aladdin wag now called, " I ordered tho
window to be left in that state, that your majesty might have the
glory of finishing this hall and pal ice. ;;

The sultan accepted tho compliment, and ordered hr; jewellers
and goldsmiths to set about it. i'or a whole month they were
busily employed, and had u*ed all the sultan's jewels, notwith-
standing the large supply he had received from Aladdin, yet they
had not finished one side of the window. When Aladdin found
thev were quite at a stand, he ordered them to undo their work,
and restore the jewols to the sultan. He then rubbed his lamp,
and directed the genie to complete the hall, which was done im-
mediately.

114 ARABIAN NIGHTS?*

The sultan, when the workmen returned him the jewels, came o
expostulate with his son-in-law, on his leaving so noble a hall uu
finished ; but when Aladdin conducted him into it he founo. the
windows were all perfect. Turning to Aladdin, he embraced him,
saying, " You are a most extraordinary man, to do such surprising
things thus in an instant; the more I know you, the more I
admire you."

From this time Aladdin lived in great state. He was also happ/
in the affection of the princess, the confidence of the sultan, and the
general love of the people. He supported the dignity of his rank
with propriety ; his abilities appeared more and more respectable.
On a dangerous insurrection, the sultan gave him the command of
his armies, and he was found worthy the trust, defeating the rebels
in two pitched battles, in which he displayed great courage and
military conduct.

But no situation in human life is exempt from misfortune. Sev-
eral years after these events, the African magician who had unde-
signedly been the instrument of Aladdin's good fortune, chanced to
recollect him, and resolved to know if he had perished in the cave.
He cast figures, and formed a horoscope, by which he found that
Aladdin had escaped, lived splendidly, was rich, had married a
princess, and was very much honored and respected.

The natural malignity of the magician became tenfold on this dis-
covery. He burst out in a rage, saying, " Has this wretched tailor's
son discovered the virtue of the lamp ? does he whom I despised
and devoted to death enjoy the fruit of my labor and study ? He
shall not long do so." He immediately prepared for a journey;
and setting off next day, travelled till he arrived again at the cap-
ital of China.

He put up at one of the principal khans, and mingled with people
of the better sort, among whom he soon heard much talk of Alad-
din's palace ; for though it had been built some years, it still con-
tinued an object of admiration among the citizens. One of the
company, perceiving the magician was a stranger and listened to
them with particular attention, courteously offered to show him
those parts of it where the public were admitted. The magician
accepted his civility ; and presently was convinced that it was built
by the genii, slaves to the lamp, as it was evidently out of the power
of man to produce so rich and glorious an edifice.

The magician learned that Aladdin was gone on a hunting party,

ENTE KT A DJMENTS 116

which would last several days. As sooii as he get back to the
khau, he had recourse to his art to know whether Aladdin carried
his lamp about him. He had the unhoped-for pleasure to learn
that the lamp was left in the palace, under no particular charge.
He placed, therefore, a dozen handsome copper lamps in a basket,
and went to the palace of Aladdin, crying out, " Who will change
old lamps for new ? ;;

Several people accepted his offer, and this drew a crowd of boys
and idle people about him. The noibe they made attracted the no-
tice of the princess ; she sent a female slave to inquire the cause.
On her leport, another of the princess' women said, '' Let us try if
this man is as silly as he pretends to be. I remember to have seen
an old copper lamp on a cornice ; the owner no doubt will be glad
to find anew one in its place." Badroulboudour consented; the
exchange was soon made and the magician having obtained the
prize he sought, returned with it, rejoicing, to his khan.

In the evening ho went into the fields, and reposed himself till
midnight. He then rubbed the lamp, when the genie appeared,
and said, " What wouldst thou ? I am ready to obey thee as thy
slave ; the slave of all those who have that lamp in their hands ; I,
and the other slaves of the lamp." u I command thee," replied the
magician, *' to transport me and the palace which thou hast built in
this city, and all who are in it, to such a place in Africa." The
genie and his associate- immediately obeyed him.

The sultan was so delighted with Aladdin's palace, that he used
to look out of his closet every morning to admire it. The morning
after this removal, he was astonished to see only a void space where
the palace had stood the evening before. On consulting his grand
vizier, that minister replied, " I am exceedingly sorry, sir, that this
event too fully proves the truth of my opinion. Your majesty knows
i have always thought this palace, and aj its immense riches, were
the work of magic only and I now fear, with too much reason,
that those powers who were capable, in one night, of producing so
much treasure and magnificence, have with equal facility taken
them away again."

These remarks of the vizier kindled tlie sultan's rage against
Aladdin. " Where is that impostor, that vile wretch ?" exclaimed
the sultan. ' Bring him before me, and let his head pay the price
01 his wicked delusions."

The vizier despatched an officer, properly instructed, with a small

116 ARABIAN NIGHTS*

party of horse, in search of Aladdin ; when they came up with him,
the officer told him that the sultan required his presence on par-
ticular business. Aladdin, who had not the least idea of his hav-
ing incurred the displeasure of his father-in-law, took leave of
his train, whom he left to pursue their sport, and joining their
party, rode toward the city.

When they drew near it, the officer addressing himself to the
prince, said, ' It is with great regret, sir, that I declare to you the
commands of the sultan, which are, that 1 ain to arrest you, and
carry you before him as a criminal, in the most ignominious mar
ner." Accordingly a chain was put about his neck, and fastened
round his body, so that his arms were pinioned. One of the
troopers took hold of the end of the chain, and Aladdin was ob-
liged to follow him on foot through the city to the sultan's palace.

Aladdin submitted with astonishment to this severe treatment.
The officer could not tell him the reason of it, nor could his own
imagination suggest it. When he was brought into the royal pres-
ence, the sultan, without deigning to speak to him, ordered the
executioner to take off his head. Aladdin was stripped, bound,
and kneeling to receive the fatal stroke, when an accident hap-
pened, which obliged the sultan reluctantly to suspend his fate.

The conducting Aladdin through the city with so much dis-
grace, alarmed and irritated the people, by whom he was univer-
sally beloved. A large mob followed the party to the palace ; and
as the news spread, the mob increased. People of all descriptions
joined them, and a great disturbance ensued. Part of the rioters
were so bold as to force the gates, others scaled the walls of the
palace. The sultan was terrified. He ordered Aladdin to be un-
bound, and bad the chiaoux proclaim he had pardoned him This
satLsiicd the people, who presently dispersed.

When Aladdin was set at liberty he threw himself at the sul-
tan's feet and begged to know his crime. < ; Thy crime, perfidious
wretch !" replied tin sultan, < dost thou not know it? Follow
me j" and leading him into his closet said, thou oughtest to kno\v
Avhere thy palace stood, look, and tell me what is become of it.' J

Aladdin seeing his palace was removed, was overwhelmed with
grief and despair. The sultan, instead of being softened by his
ait-tress, became more and more incensed. "Caitiff/'' said he,
" produce my daughter, whom I value a thousand times beyond
thy palace, or no consideration shall restrain me from putting thec
fo death ;;

ENTERTAINMENTS. 117

11 1 beseech your majesty," replied Aladdin, " to give me forty
days to search for my dear princess ; if at the end of that timo
J am unsuccessful, I do solemnly swear I will return, and deliver
myself into your hands.' 7 "Begone, then,''' answered the sultan;
44 but knew, that if you break this oath, you shall not escape my
resentment. My rage shall pursue you, if you do not produce my
daughter, in whatever part of the world you may vainly attempt
to hide y our self. ' ;

Aladdin left the sultan, covered with confusion. As he went
out of the palace, he experienced the vanity of that adulation
which is usually offered to persons in prosperity. Among the
officers of the court, some pitied, some insulted him ; but no one
offered him comfort or assistance. He passed on to the city,
about which he rambled for three days. His senses became dis-
turbed; and he asked every one he met, if he could tell him any
news of his palace.

Tired at last of wandering about the streets, he strolled into the
country ; and coming to the side of a river, as he was indulging
his grief, and pensively watching the undulation of the water, the
ground he stood on gave way, and he would have fallen into the
river, if he had not caught hold of a rock which supported him.
In recovering himself he pressed the ring, he had formerly received
from the African magician very hard. The genie immediately
appeared and made him the usual offer of his services.

Aladdin recovering at once from his despair, cried out, " genie,
preserve my life a second time, by bringing back my palace to the
place where it stood."

"That I cannot do,- ; replied the genie; "you must address
yourself to the slave of the lamp. 7 ' "At least, ;; said Aladdin, " con-
vey me to the place where it stands, and set me down under the
princess Badroulboudour's window." These words were no sooner
uttered, than the genie transported him to Africa, and set him down
as he had desired.

It was night when Aladdin found himself under the window of
the princess. As he knew not who might be within, he determined
not to enter it till morning. He sat down at the root of a large
tree, and began to consider within himself whence his misfortunes
proceeded. lie recollected how carelessly he had left his inesti-
mable lamp ; and doubted not but that carelessness was the sourco
of all his sorrows. But how it should fall into the hands of airy

118

one who knew its use, was wonderful ; and still more so, that the
present possessor should have so much ill-will to him ; as to remove
the princess and her palace.

Amidst these contemplations, the fatigue and grief he had sus-
tained overcame him, and he fell asleep; but waking very early
in the morning, he had the satisfaction of seeing the princess at
her window ; for from the time of her removal sorrow had driven
sleep from her eyelids. Badroulboudour soon perceived him. She
durst not converse with him from her window; but made signs to
him, that he should repair to the back door, where a trusty slave
attended to admit him, and to conduct him to his beloved princess.

When the joy of theii meeting had a little subsided, Badroul-
boudour soon explained to him the source of their misfortune, by
telling him they were in Africa. She related to him the manner
in which the magician had obtained the lamp, which he now con-
Btantly carried in his bosom; and added, that he every day paid
her one visit, and audaciously presumed to solicit her love; assur-
ing her, that her husband had fallen a victim to the sultan's anger.

Aladdin having heard all these particulars, besought the
princess to permit him to go to a neighboring town. " This man,"
said he, " in whose power we now are, is the most subtle, and the
most wicked of mankind. Yet as he can have no idea that I am
at hand, I think we shall be able to evade his malice. When
he comes to you to-day," continued Aladdin, " receive him with less
reserve than usual ; seem as if you would shortly be reconciled to
your situation : invite him to sup with you, and leave the rest to me."

Aladdin then went into the town, and bought of a druggist
half a drachm of a certain powder, with which ho returned to the
palace. This he gave to the princess, with instructions how to use
it ; and then retired to a closet lest he should be discovered. The
magician paid his usual visit to the princess, in the course of the
day, and was glad to find her in much better spirits than before.
She had now, for the first time since in his power, dressed herself
elegantly ; she conversed with him with freedom : and even heard
him talk of love, without showing much disgust. When he was
about to depart, she pretended a desire to taste the wines of Africa,
and desired he would provide her some of the best, and come and
sup with her.

The wily African, with all his cunning, allowed himself to be
decehed. His nature was not capable of generous love. The in-

EN IE I iTA IX M EXTS. 119

comparable beauty of the princess had, indeed, excited ia him a
coarse and beastly desire, which he hoped now to gratify ; and
while he thought himself secure of his expected enjoyment, he
laughed at, and reviled in his heart the versatility of the sex, to
which he ascribed his success.

In the evening he did not fail to attend the princess, who re-
ceived him in the most flattering manner. After supper when tho
wine was set before them, the princess gave an appointed signal to
.her attendant. A gold cup was presented to the magician, and
another to the princess. Jn her cup was the powder procured by
Aladdin. Wine being poured out. the princess told the magician,
that in China, it was the custom for lovers to exchange cups, and
at the same time, held out her cup to him. He eagerly made the
exchange ; and putting the cup he had received from her to his
lips, he drank a little of the wine, and immediately expired.

When the magician fell down, Aladdin, who had watched the
event, entered the hall ; and running to the body, found the lamp
carefully wrapped up in his bosom, lie retired again to the
closet, and summoning the genie, commanded him to restore the
palace to its former situation ; which he did accordingly, those
within it only feeling two slight shocks one when it was lifted up,
the other when it was seb down, and both in a short interval of
time.

The sultan had continued inconsolable for the loss of his daugh-
ter. As it had been his custom formerly to go often into his closet
to admire Aladdin's palace, he now did so for very different reasons.
Every morning, and often in the daytime, he retired there, to in-
dulge his sorrow for the loss of his beloved daughter. The morn-
ing after the return of the palace, the sultan entered his closet,
unusually sad; when going to the window, he had the joyful sur-
prise to see it again in its place. lie flew thither, and embraced
hi? daughter with tears of joy ; nor was she less affected.

When their transports were a little abated, the princess related
to her father everything that had befallen her. She took upon
herself the whole blame of changing the lamp, and magnified the
merit of her husband in having so soon found her out and deliver-
ing her. The sultan embraced Aladdin, and they forgave each
other. The dead body of the magician was thrown upon a dung-
hill; and the whole city rejoiced at the safe return of Aladdin aid
the princess.

]?9 ARABIAN NIGHTS

The happiness of Aladdin was not yet secured. Though the magi-
cian was dead, he had left a brother as wicked, and as powerful
as himself. It was the custom of these brethren to inform them-
selves by their art, once a year, where each other was. and whether
either of them stood in need of the other's assistance.

When the customary period arrived, all the particulars of the
African magician's death became known to his brother, by his
skill in necromancy. On finding such a fatal account, he pursued
his art, till by it he became acquainted with his brother's inter-
course with Aladdin, and with Aladdin's present situation. Having
learned all these things, instead of indulging a fruitless grief, he set
out for the capital of China, to gratify his revenge.

He crossed plains, rivers, mountains, deserts, and seas, with in-
credible fatigue, till he arrived there safely. After a short repose,
he went continually to places of public resort, to acquaint himself
with the customs of the people, and Aladdin's mode of living; in-
tending to form thence a plan to destroy him.

Among other things he often heard of one Fatiina, a holy woman,
who resided in a hermitage near the city, and used now and then
to come to it. Her piety was everywhere spoken of. They even,
declared that she had the power of working miracles ; and par-
ticularly that she never failed to cure any person who had the
headache, by putting her hand on them.

From all this, the magician formed a plot which he put in exe-
cution in this manner : He found out the cell of the holy woman
and went to her under pretence of being much afflicted with the
headache. By this means he had an opportunity of observing her
appearance and manner of conversation. lie returned to the city,
and passed the evening in one of those houses where they sell hot
liquors, and where any person may stay all night if he chooses.
About midnight he set out again for Fatima's cell. The holy
woman was fast asleep in her clothes, on a mattress. He awakened
her, and clapping a dagger to her breast, bade her get up and be
silent.

Fatiina was much frightened, but thought it best to obey him
He then ordered her to change clothes with him. This done, he
took out a vessel, holding a certain liquor, and a brush, and com-
manded Fatima to color his face that it might resemble hers ; bu l
perceiving the poor creature trembled so much that she was unanl
to obey him, he encouraged her, and swore to her by the name ot

121

God that he would not hurt her. Comforted by this assurance,
she painted his face, put on him her coif an.d beads, and giving
him her stick, she showed him how he ought to walk to appear
like her. Being thus completely able to pass for Fatima, he, with-
out the least regard to his oath, strangled her, and threw her into
a cistern.

In the morning he returned to the city, where he imitated the
holy woman so well that every one believed it was her, and crowded
for her benediction. lie went directly toward Aladdin's palace,
and the multitude attending him being noticed by the princess, she
inquired the cause of it. Badroulboudour had often heard of the
holy woman, but had never seen her. She sent therefore to de-
sire to speak with her. The magician was overjoyed. He coun-
terfeited Fatima with great exactness . and when introduced, by
affecting great piety and mortification, by a long prayer, and many
vows for her prosperity, the detestable hypocrite gained the esteem
of the credulous princess, who was too good herself to distrust
others.

After a long conversation, the magician artfully dropped a hint
at the splendor of the palace. The princess, thinking the sight
of the magnificent hall must give pleasure even to an anchorite,
conducted the false Fatima thither, and asked her how she liked
that building. " I am not," replied the magician, " a judge of these
hie things; but I think if a roc's egg was hung up in the midst of
he dome, the w r hole would be complete. There is one on the top
)f Mount Caucasus ; and the architect who built your palace can
>rocure it for you."

This conversation the princess paid nuicli attention to. She had
jver considered that hall as the grandest and most elegant building
n the world , and she could not bear it should want anything to
nake it absolutely perfect. She led the supposed holy woman into
-nother apartment, and requested her to continue with her the re-
nainder of the day : to which, with apparent reluctance, but with
eal joy, the deceiver consented.

When Aladdin returned from council, the princess met him. and
.esired he would have a roc's egg hung up in the dome of the hall,
ailing him at the same time where there was one. Aladdin, who
-as always desirous of pleasing the princess, went immediately to
: ie hall, and summoning the genie, said, " There is a roc's egg on
fount Caucasus, which I would have thce bring, and hang up in

6

1 >2 ARABIAN NTC-ITTJ*'

this dome." Those words wore no sooner uttered, than the gemc
set up a fearful err, after which he said to Aladdin, ' Wretch : it-
it not enough that I and my companions have done so much for
thee, but thou must command me to bring my master, and hang
him up in thy hall ? It is well for thee that thou art riot the
author of this ungrateful request. Know, then, that the deviser
of it is the brother of the African magician. He has murdered
Fatima, and is now with thy wife, disguised to resemble that holy
woman. It was he who suggested this demand to the princess, by
which he hoped to have involved you both in ruin. He will now
endeavor to kill thee ; look therefore to thyself." After these
words, the genie, snatching the lamp from Aladdin's hand, dis-
appeared.

As soon as Aladdin had recovered from his surprise, he deter-
mined at once what measures to pursue. He went into the cham-
ber where the princess and the magician were conversing together,
and pretended to have the headache, desiring the false Fatima to
cure it. The magician, overjoyed, approached with a dagger in
one hand concealed under his clothes; as he drew near, Aladdin
seized him by that arm, and in an instant, with his own dagger, put
an end to his pernicious life.

Though Aladdin was much grieved for the loss of his lamp, yet
lie consoled himself, as by the death of the magician his peace was
secured. He succeeded some years afterward to the throne of
China, on which he reigned with his princess to a good old age,
and left behind him a numerous posterity

THE STORY OF LITTLE HUNCHBACK.

At Casgar, on the borders of Tartary. there lived a tailcr, a
cheerful, hospitable fellow, who had a very deserving wife that ho
was fond of. One evening, as he was leaving off work, a little
deformed man sat down near his shop, and taking out a lute, playe-i
and sung very melodiously. The tailor was much pleased with his
performance, and thinking to amuse his wife, he took Hunchback
home to sup with him. Their supper consisted of a large dish 01
fish. Unluckily, the crooked gentleman swallowed a bone, of whict
he died in a few minutes, notwithstanding his hosts gave him ever)
assistance in their power.

The tailor and his wife were exceedingly frightened at this acci
dent ; and dreading the consequences of the body being found i:

ENTERTAINMENTS. 123

their apartment, they conveyed it to the house of a Jew doctor,
who lived not far off. The tailoi sup-ported the body, as if it was
a sick man, and his wife gave the doctor's servant a piece of gold,
and desired he would come to them immediately. The maid went
up to her master, and the tailor and his wife nimbly following her,
carried the body to the top of the stairs, and leaning it against tho
wainscot, hastened away as quickly as possible.

The doctor, notwithstanding his skill, was exceedingly poor.
The piece of gold he received, gave him a good opinion of his
patient. He ordered his servant to follow with the light, and run-
ning to the stairs, he knocked the body down to the bottom of them.
When the light came, the Jew, finding the corpse warm, made no
question but that the sick man had expired in consequence of the
fall. He gave himself up to despair ; but his wife, more fertile in
invention, contrived the means of avoiding the danger. She ad-
vised the Jew to take Hunchback to the top of the house, and by
means of ropes to lower him down a neighboring chimney.

The apartment into which little Hunchback was now conveyed
belonged to a Mussulman, who was purveyor of provisions to the
sultan. When he came home, and saw by the light of his lantern
a man standing upright in his chimney, he was exceedingly enraged.
The purveyor had frequently lost part of his stores, and not doubt-
ing but that he had now detected the thief, he resolved to punish
him severely. He caned therefore the supposed culprit very
heartily ; but as he neither moved nor cried out, he left off beating
him, and holding up the light, perceived that he was dead. Terror
now almost deprived the purveyor of his senses. lie questioned
not but that the man was killed by his blows; and he well knew
the punishment he must expect if he was discovered.

To avoid this, he waited till an hour after midnight, and when
everything was still in the streets, took the body on his back, with
many execrations, and conveyed it to the door of a shop a little
distance off; where, placing Hunchback on his feet, he left him
and flew back to his own house, fortunately without meeting a
person.

A few minutes before daybreak, a Christian merchant who had
been up all night, debauching, passed by that way. Though he
was drunk, he knew the time irew near when people are called to
early prayers, and that he was liable to punishment for being found
in the street in that condition. Seeing the patrol approaching, ha

124 ARABIAN NIGHTS

sought to conceal himself by standing up close to the same shop
door where the purveyor had left Hunchback. The body being
jostled by the merchant, tumbled upon him ; and the Christian
supposing it was a thief, threw him down, fell upon him, and con-
tinued beating him, crying out, " Thieves ! >;

The outcry alarmed the watch, who came up immediately, and
finding a Christian beating a Mussulman, demanded the meaning of
such an outrage. " lie would have robbed me, ;; replied the mer-
chant, " and jumped upon me, with intent to take me by the throat. 7 '
*' You seem," said the officer, " to have sufficiently revenged your-
self; come, get off him" at the same time stooping to raise
Hunchback, he found that he was dead. " Ah !" exclaimed he, " is
it thus that a Christian dares to assassinate a Turk ?" Saying this,
he seized the merchant and dragged him to prison, till the judge was
ready to examine him.

A sense of his danger soon dissipated the fumes of the liquor :
but the more the Christian was capable of thought, he less he could
account how the few blows ho had struck could have been fatal, or
contrive how he should excuse himself to the magistrate, after
having accused the defunct with attempting to rob him. In the
morning the judge heard the relation of the patrol, and as the de-
ceased was one of the royal buffoons, he thought it his duty to re-
port the matter to the sultan. That prince, enraged at the death
of his jester, and at the boldness of the Christian in killing a Turk,
ordered him to be instantly hanged.

The merchant was led out accordingly, tied to the gibbet, and
notwithstanding his outcries and protestations of innocence, was
just about to be put to death, when the purveyor came up to th?>
judge and owned himself the murderer. \Vlule the officer was
considering what measures to pursue, the Jewish doctor arrived,
and exculpated the purveyor: and presently after, the tailor took
the guilt from the Jew, by relating the manner of Hunchback's
death. The judge conveyed all the parties before the sultan, who
heard their several accounts with amazement, and addressing him-
self to the viziers and emirs of his court, demanded if they had ever
heard of so strange an event ; on which the Christian merchant,
prostrating himself, declared that he could relate a story still more
wonderful. The sultan, desirous to hear it, directed 'lira to do so
he obeyed thus :

ENTERTAINMENTS. 125

THE STORY TOLD BY THE CHRISTIAN MERCHANT.

I am a stranger born at Cairo, where, at my father's death, 1 suc-
ceeded to his business, as a very considerable broker. One da^, as
T was standing in the public corn-market, a young man, well dress-
fti came to me, and produciug a sample of sesame and Turkey
coin, desired me to sell for him a hundred and fifty bushels of ifc
>-' the best price I could get. I presently found a purchaser at a
^undred and ten drachms of silver each bushel. The young man
wao well pleased with my bargain, and when the corn was deliver-
ed, I would have paid him the money, but he declined to take it
hen and went away, leaving the whole produce of his corn in my
hands.

I frequently saw him afterward, and urged him to receive his
.coney, but he always evaded it. At last he stayed away for a
whole year: and when he came he was dressed richer than usual,
but he was very thoughtful. I pressed him as before to take his
m>ney, and added an earnest invitation for him to enter rny house
and dine with me, which at length he complied with.

At dinner I perceived my guest fed himself with his left hand.
I could not conceive the cause of his treating me so contemptuously.
I restrained myself till we had dined, when presenting him with
some lozenges, which he took in the same manner, I entreated him
to explain the mystery to me. After dropping a tear, he drew back
Ms garment, and producing his right arm I saw it was without a
Baud. I was so shocked at this discovery, that I sat iu silence
The young man having recovered from his confusion, addressed
\imself to me nearly as follows :

'Lne good opinion I have formed of you ; induces me to reveal
ay misfortune to yon. and the cause of it.

-' J am a native of Bagdad. On the death of my father, who
^a- a considerable merchant, I resolved to travel. Accordingly I
I acked rp many bales of rich stuffs and other valuable merchandise,
and arrived safely with them here. But when I exposed them for
sale, the merchants thinking to take advantage of my youth and
inexperience, did not bid me the first cost. One of iLe cri'crs of
the Be/ostein perceiving how much I was vexed at this treatment,
advised me to divide my goods among the dealers, who would sell
them on my account and settle with me twice a week. I followed
this advice, which proved very useful to me.

" One morning, as I sat in a deaJer's shop, a lady came in and sai

12G ARABIAN NIGHTS'

down by me. I was much taken with her graceful carriage ind
fine form, and gazed at her with great attention. She observed this,
and under pretence of adjusting her veil, she contrived to let me see
her face, which was so beautiful, that she entirely completed the con-
quest of my heart. She desired the shop-keeper to show her some gcl<?
stuffs, and I was happy to see her fix on one of mine. She agreed with
aim for the price, but not having money enough in her purse to pa;
for it, she wished to take it home, and promised to return next daj
with the money. This the dealer refused. I put an end to the dis
pute, by entreating the lady to accept the piece of stuff, which she
would only do on condition that I would meet her next day an
receive the money for it. To this I was forced to consent, and
when the lady withdrew she thanked me in the most engaging
manner for my civility ; adding,' May God reward you in enlarging
your fortune ! may you live many years when I am dead ! may the
gate of heaven be opened to you when you remove to the other
world ! and may all the city proclaim your generosity V

"My heart became at once entirely attached to this lovely
woman. I returned home in great agitation ; and already began
to wish for the approach of the next day. I could neither eat uor
sleep; and after a night which seemed the longest I had ever
known, I dressed myself with particular attention, and hastened to
the shop. The lady came and paid me the money, after which w#
entered into conversation. I embraced this opportunity of telling
her how much I was devoted to her ; on which she was overspread
with blushes, and rising hastily, though without showing displeas-
ure, she quitted the shop.

" I durst not venture to follow her; and having made inquiry of
the shop-keeper who she was to very little purpose, I was returning
home pensively, when I felt some one pull my sleeve, and was
agreeably surprised to see it was the lady's slave. She whisperd
me softly to follow her at a distance, and led me to a handsome
house where I found her mistress. The lady had thrown off the
habit usual in the streets, and appeared richly dressed and so
charnaiug that if I loved her before I adored her now. She apol-
ogized for having left me so abruptly ; ' I did not think fit,' con-
tinued she, to give you a favorable answer in the hearing of the
shop-keeper, but to deal frankly with you, I think myself happy
to have a man of so much merit for my lover.' I threw myself at
her feet, in a transport of joy at this welcome declaration ; when

ZNTEKTAINMENT3. 127

the lady raising me tenderly, desired me to enter an adjoining
apartment, and partake of an entertainment she had prepared for
me.

" From this time there commenced between us a most tender
and intimate union. I passed all the time I could spare from my
serious concerns with Margiana (for so was the lady called), who
always received me with joy, and entertained me splendidly. As
I was sensible this was attended with great expense, I used to leave
regulary a purse of gold on the sofa when I came away. I con-
tinued to do so till I had sold all my goods ; when I found myselfi
all at once, without money or the means of obtaining any.

"In this desperate condition I walked out of my lodging, and
careless which way I went, strolled by chance toward the castle,
where there was a great crowd waiting to see the sultan. Among
them was a handsome cavalier, well mounted, who had upon the
bow of his saddle a bag half open, with a green silk string hang-
ing out, which I had no doubt was the string of a purse. A por-
ter passing by on the other side with a load of wood, went so near
the gentleman as obliged him to turn his head that way, to avoid
being rubbed by the wood. In that minute did the devil tempt me
I seized the string and pulled out the purse so dexterously, that
none of the by-stariders perceived me, and I had the satisfaction
to feel that it was very full of money.

" But though I had escaped the notice of the crowd about me,
the owner of the purse was more attentive. No sooner was he
disengaged from the porter, than, missing his purse, he knocked me
down. This violence shocked the bystanders ; some of whom
seized his bridle, and demanded how he dared to treat a Mussulman
in such a manner. * I have reason enough/ replied he briskly,
'this fellow is a thief. 7 Every one took my part still more, saying
it was incredible that a young man of my appearance should be
guilty of so base an action. But while they held his horse to favor
my escape, unfortunately the judicary judge came by, and seeing a
cro'-d, demanded the cause.

" The judge heard the charge against me, and far from suffering
tie opinions of the bystanders to bias him, he ordered me to be
searched ; when, to my utter confusion, the purse was presently
found and exposed to the view of all the people. My shame was
so great that I swooned away. The judge restored the purse to the
owner and, on my recovery, admonished me to confess the truth,

128 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

and save myself from the torture. I acknowledged my guilt ; u3
the judge ordered my right hand to he instantly cut off, which was
done accordingly. He was proceeding to direct my foot to be cut
off also ; but the cavalier interceding for me, he permitted me to
depart without further punishment.

"As soon as the judge was gone, the cavalier presented me with
the fatal purse, saying, l I see plainly it was necessity put you on an
action so unworthy of you, and I an heartily sorry for your mis
fortune.' One of the people observing I was faint with the loss of
blood, and overcome with grief and shame, had the charity to takfc
me into his house, where he caused my arm to be dressed, an.1
gave me every proper refreshment.

< In the evening I went to Margiana, 1 expected that after so
infamous a transaction, she would drive me from her, as utterly
unworthy her notice ; but knowing it was impossible to conceal
the loss of my hand, I determined to meet at once the utmost of
my misery. On my arrival I threw myself on a sofa, overspent
with weakness and sorrow; Margiaua, hearing of my arrival,
and that I was indisposed, hastened to me, and endeavored to com
fort me ; I answered her only with sighs and tears ; which induced
her to fill me a large cup of wine and entreat me to drink it
'You are too much dejected,' said she ; ' drink this, which will ex
hilarate your spirits, and then explain to me the cause of this
uncommon sorrow.

"I held out my left hand to receive the cup, and the necessity
of doing so, increased my affliction. Soon after the fumes of the
wine, added to my fatigue and weakness, overcame me, and I fell
into a deep sleep which lasted until morning. While I slept,
Mnrgiana lifted up my cloak, and seeing me without my right
hand, was at no loss to account for my distress. In the morning
she would not suffer me to depart, but attended me in person till
I was completely recovered. She then led me to a large trunk,
which she opened, saying, ' Here are all the purses you have left
with me ; I have not touched one of them ; would to Heaven you
had placed so much confidence in me as to have explained your
situation. These I insist on your receiving again, and as I feel I
cannot survive the disgrace I have brought upon you, I will sena
for a notary, and leave you my whole fortune, which is veiy con-
siderable.'

<; She made her will accordingly ; nor could my utmost tender

ENTERTAINMENTS. 129

ness prevent her sinking, as she had foretold, under the sense of
my misfortune. She languished a few weeks, and then expired in
my arms."

The sultan of Casgar was displeased with the presumption of the
Christian merchant in comparing this story to that of the little
Hunchback; which the purveyor seeing, he entreated permission
to relate a story more worthy the ear of the sultan.

THE STORY TOLD BY THE PURVEYOR.

I was yesterday invited to a sumptuous entertainment, one
course of which was served up with garlic sauce so excellent, that
all the company extolled it except one, who declined to partake
of it; the master of the house recommending it to him, he replied,
" I remember too well what the tasting of such a dish once cost
me. Yet if you persist in urging me, I will comply, provided you
will permit me to wash my hands forty times with alkali, forty
times with ashes of the same plant, and forty times with soap."
The curiosity of our host being now excited, he pressed his guest
more earnestly ; and ordered his servants to provide the necessa-
ries for this extraordinary ablution. The visitor, who was a mer-
chant, submitted, though with evident displeasure. He put a lit-
tle garlic to his mouth, trembling, and ate it with great reluc-
tance ; after which he arose, and \vashed his hands as he had con-
ditioned to do. We were all surprised at this scene, and the more
so, as we perceived the merchant had lost both his thumbs.

"When the washings were over the master of the house apolo-
gized to his guest, and besought him to take his seat again at the
table, and inform the company why he had such an aversion tc
garlic, and also how he became thus maimed. The merchant with
great good nature complied.

"I was born," said he, "at Bagdad; my father was esteemed one
of the richest merchants of the city ; but at his death, it appeared
that he had lived too expensively ; I had scarce enough left to
pay his debts and bury him. Though I found myself poor, when
I expected the contrary, I did not suffer my spirits to be dejected ;
but took a shop, and by industry and care, my little fortune began
to increase beyond my hope.

" One day a lady attended by a eunuch and two female slaves
came into my shop, and desired to see some of the richest and
finest stuffs. I modestly told her that I wag not rich enough to

6*

130 ARABIAN NIGHTS

deal in such expensive goods ; but added, if she chose to stay in
my iihop till the merchant came, I would fetch what she wanted at
the lowest price. She accepted my offer, and as there were very
few people in the bezestein, she threw off her veil, for the benefit
of the air, and conversed with me very affably. Her wit and beauty
so charmed me, that I Became deeply enamored ; and when she took
away with her as many goods, which I had procured, as came to
five thousand drachms of silver, I gazed after her as long as she
continued in sight, without once considering that she had not paid
for them.

The merchants soon awaked me from this reverie, by calling feu
their money. I pretended to know the lady, and requested credit
for eight days, which they agreed to. The time I passed very un
easily, but on the morning of the eighth day, I had the pleasure t
see the lady enter the bezestein, and come directly to my shop.
She paid me for the goods, and entered into conversation with me
for a long time ; after which she desired me to procure other rich
goods, of which she took away as many as came to a thousand
pieces of gold.

" A month elapsed without my seeing the lady again ; and though
the merchants, pleased with my former punctuality, were more
patient than I could have hoped for, yet at last they became
clamorous. I was so attached to her, that ruin itself, arising
from her, was scarcely unwelcome. I had prepared myself for
the worst, and hourly expected it, when the lady came and paiu
me the money I stood engaged for.

" I was in such haste to pay my debts, that I requested her to
excuse my absence for a few moments ; on which she said to Mie
eunuch, ' Let us have your interposition to accommodate our mat-
ters.' The eunuch laughed, and followed me. As w r e walked, he
told me he saw by my eyes how much I loved the lady. * She>
continued he, ' is no less pleased with you, and commissioned me
to tell you that she is ready to become your wife if you desire it.' I
received this news with transport. On our return he told the lady
I was satisfied; on which she arose, and telling me, with a smile,
I should hear from her soon, withdrew.

" Some days after the eunuch came alone, and acquainted me that
the lady was a favorite of Zobeide, the caliph's sultana, who had
brought her up from her infancy. ' She has told Zobeide,' added
he, ' of her intended marriage, and that beautiful princess will pro

ENTERTAINMENTS. 1 3 1

vide liberally for you both ; but she wishes to see you before the
marriage takes place. Have you courage to venture being intro-
duced into the ladies' apartments in the palace, where you know
men are not allowed to enter ; and in which, if we fail, your life is at
an end ?' ; I am read}', 5 exclaimed I. ' to hazard anything for such
an aogel. ; ' Moot mo ; then/ replied the eunuch, i this evening at the
moeque on the banks of the Tigris.'

" I did not fail to attend at the time appointed. When I arrived,
at the mosque, I found some men bringing in several large trunks.
In a short time they all withdrew except one, whom I soon found
to be my friendly eunuch. At the same instant the lady entered at
another door. I would have thrown myself at her feet, but she
prevented me. ' We have no time for compliments,' said she, ' get
into one of these trunks, and leave the management of this affair
to me. ? I obeyed, trembling ; and presently all the trunks were
conveyed to a boat, and rowed down the Tigris to the water-gate
of the palace.

" On our arrival, the trunks were carried into the apartment of
the chief of the eunuchs ; who having retired to rest, was obliged
to rise, as nothing could be carried into the jalace without his
inspection. The crabbed old man, displeased at being disturbed, re-
solved to execute his office with severity. ' I will have,' said he,
* all these trunks opened, before I suffer them to pass.' At the
same time he commanded the eunuchs to bring them before him, and
begin with the one in which I lay.

** The favorite lady, however, was not easily daunted. 'Every-
thing in these trunks/ said she, belongs to our mistress. That in
particular, contains bottles of the sacred Zemzem* water, sent from
Mecca for her use. Should any accident happen to them from your
impertinent obstinacy, prepare to abide by the consequences, as I
shall not fail to report your conduct to Zobeide.' The eunuch in-
timidated by this spirited behavior gave up the point, and suffered
us to pass without further interruption.

" The trunks were now carried into the apartments of Zobeide,
but were scarcely deposited, when the caliph appeared. He asked
\"h.at they contained, and was told rich stuffs for the sultana, on

* There is a fountain at Mecca which the Mohammedans believe was the spring
wlsfch (kid showed to Hagar. after Abraham was obliged to put her away; this
water is called Zemzem water, and is drank by way of devotion. It is sent in pre
ents tc princes and great men.

132 ARARIAN NIC! UTS*

which he desired to see them. In vain the favorite lady pleaded
her mistress' orders, not to have them opened. l I will undertake
to reconcile her to you/ said the caliph, i in the meantime I will be
obeyed.'

' Fortunately the other trunks did contain rich apparel and trink-
ets, thes3 the favorite displayed, and, with much prolixity, pointed
out their several excellences to the caliph. At last they were all
opened except the trunk in which I was concealed. The favorite
ordered three eunuchs to take them away, but the caliph remember-
ed there was one he had not examined, and directed that to be
opened also. The favorite appeared ready to obey. She even un
locked it. I shudder now, at remembering the terrors I felt at that
moment. But, as if recollecting herself, she entreated the caliph
to excuse her, as that trunk contained some articles she particularly
wished to remain as they were till Zobeide had seen them. The
caliph, pleased with her former compliance, and tired with the Bur
vey, admitted her apology ; the trunk was again locked, and I was
conveyed in safety to another apartment.

" The favorite lady came very shortly and released me. * You are
now/ said she, l in perfect safety. I shared in your alarm, and, in-
deed, in your danger ; since, had you been discovered, our fate
would have been the same. To-morrow I will introduce you to the
princess. Be of good courage," continued she ; 'I reDeat that you
are perfectly safe here. I will order you proper refreshments, biu
cannot see you any more this evening.'

" In the morning I was introduced to /obeide, who, after a long
conversation, dismissed me, saying, ' I am glad that my daughter (as
she tenderly called her favorite) has made so good a choice ; I con-
sent to your marriage, which shall be solemnized here; you may
remain, and I will inform the caliph of your situation.' Accord-
ingly, at the end of ten days, our nuptials were celebrated with great
Btat 3. A noble feast was prepared, at which, among other delicacies,
was a ragout with garlic, of which I ate heartily ; but unfortunately
when I arose from the table, I only wiped my hands instead of
washing them.

" In the evening the apartments were lit up with the utmost
magnificence. My bride and I were introduced into a great hall
and seated upon two thrones. We had a grand concert of music '
after which the women who attended her changed her dress, and
painted her face with different sorts of colors, according to the
usual custom on wedding days and everj time she changed her

ENTERTAINMENTS. 133

habit thdy presented her to me. In the evening we were con-
ducted to the nuptial chamber, where, when the company retired,
I approached to embrace my wife ; but instead of receiving me
with transport, she pushed me from her, and cried out loudly.
The ladies, who had not withdrawn far. came running into the
chamber to know the cause, while I stood like one thunderstruck.
* Take away,' said she, ' that vile fellow out of my sight.' Alas ! J
replied I, ' how have I incurred your displeasure?' 'Wretch!'
said she, ' have you not neglected to wash your hands after eating
garlic ? but I will punish your disrespect as it deserves.' She then
uirected her slaves to strip me, and I received from them a furious
bastinadoing, after which she ordered my hands and feet to be cut
off.

" I was terrified at this severe sentence, and cried out. ' Is it not
enough to be thus disgraced and unmercifully beaten, but I must
lose my hands and feet also, for eating a ragout of garlic, and for-
getting to wash my hands after it ? Plague on the ragout ! plague
on the cook that dressed it ! and may he be equally unhappy that
served it up !' The ladies took pity on me, and interceded for
me but they could only prevail with my wife to be satisfied with
cutting off my thumbs and great toes, which was immediately
done.

" Through vexation and loss of blood, I fainted. When I re-
vived I found no one with me but an old woman, who attended me
with tolerable care till I recovered. Notwithstanding this harsh
treatment, I still lov^d my wife ; I sent the most pressing entreaties
to be admitted once more into her presence ; after many refusals
she yielded. I apologized to her for my indiscretion, and solemnly
swore if ever I ate garlic again, I would wash my hands in the
manner you have seen. Upon this the lady forgave me, and con-
sented to receive me as her husband.

" We continued some time in the apartments of Zobeide, from
whose bounty we received a present of fifty thousand sequins : and
notwithstanding our rou^h outset, my wife and I lived together in.
the utmost harmony for about a year, when she fell sick and died.
It was to divert my melancholy for her loss, that induced me to travel
hither."

" This story," said the caliph, " is truly singular, but not equal to
that of poor Hunchback." Upon which the Jew doctor asked
leave to relate one ; which being granted, he proceeded thus :

134 ARABIAN NIGHTS

THE STORY TOLD BY THE JEWISH PHYSICIAN.

Some time ago I was sent lor to attend a patient in the famil
of the governor of Damascus. 1 was introduced to a young mat,
of good mien, but much dejected ; on requesting to feel his pulse,
he presented me wiih his left hand; I was about to resent the. in
dignity ; but finding he was very ill I suppressed my displeasure,
and prescribed such medicines as I thought necessary.

He recovered very fast under my care ; yet still, as often as I
had occasion to feel his pulse, he continued to present his left
hand. On the tenth day I ordered bathing, and was about to tak
my leave ; but my patient requested I would attend him to the
bath. I complied ; and when he began to undress, I perceived :
that his right hand had been lately cut off. I suppose rny looks
expressed much surprise ; for, after bathing, the young man led
me to a saloon, and addressed me thus :

" I am so much indebted to your abilities for my speedy recov-
ery, that I cannot refuse you the satisfaction of knowing by what
accident I became thus mutilated, and which, in truth, \vas the
cause of the disorder from, which you have relieved me.

" I was born at Moussoul ; my father was the eldest of ten
brothers, all of them merchants. As I was an only son, and none
of my uncles had children, I was much caressed by them all; and
was earlier than usual introduced into the company of men. One
day my father and his brothers were talking about Egypt,
and Cairo its capital. They were all eloquent in its praise ' In
that happy country,' said my father, ' the bounty of nature is most
abundant ; the wonders of human art are innumerable The re-
dundancy of the Nile renders the lard at once beautiful, and fer-
tile. The inhabitants are more polished, the women in particular
are more agreeable and beautiful than in any other city. If you
view the pyramids, those monuments of ancient magnificence, you
are astonished ; these buildings are, at once, proofs of the riches ot
the Pharaohs who built them, and of tho abilities of the artists of
that early period ; for though the time of the erection is so far
back that the learned can only conjecture when it was, yet they
remain perfect to this day, and probably will do so for ages to
come. Nor are the instances of modern ingenuity less interesting.
In short, the commerce, the riches, the number and variety of
strangers to be found there, justify the proverb, that he that hfitfc
not seen Egypt, hath not .seen the greatest sight in the world.'

ENTERTAINMENTS. 135

' I listened to this eulogium with much attention and from
Chat time, nothing employed my thoughts but a journey to Cairo.
Fortunately some of my uncles were seized with the same desire.
I immediately became importunate with my father for permission
t join the caravan; for a long time I sued in vain; but my uncles
pressing the same request, my father agreed to a part of my de-
sire, lie allowed me to go as far as Damascus, on condition I
should wait there for my uncles' return from Egypt; and that I
might not be without employ, he gave me a cargo of goods, suited
t that market, to dispose of for my own profit.

" When we arrived at Damascus, my uncles took a house for
me, and introduced me to the principal merchants. After their
departure, 1 applied myself to business with great diligence and
success. The prudence of my conduct endeared me to my new
friends, and I became every day more wealthy and more respected.

"My tranquillity was at last destroyed by a singular accident,
I became acquainted with a very beautiful lady, who used to come
occasionally and sup with inc. I attached myself to her with all
the eagerness of afiection so natural to youth and inexperience.
One evening she began to discourse with me on the power of
beauty. I was declaring how immoveably my heart was fixed on
her, when she interrupted me, and said, with an enchanting smile,
' We shall soon see this boasted constancy tried. A particular
friend of mine hath long wished to see you ; I have undertaken to
introduce her : but I forewarn you to guard your heart. Her
beauty far exceeds mine ; and her wit and vivacity make her al-
most irresistible, ' r et I have no design of resigning you to her ; be-
ware, therefore for I am going to put your heart to a strange
trial. 7

" A few evenings after, the two ladies paid me a visit. I soon
found rny friend had not said too much of her companion's charms.
If I had been pleased with the one, I was enraptured with the
other. I received them with all the politeness in my power, and
invited them to take part of a collation I had prepared; but I
did this with so much emotion, that my former acquaintance laugh-
ingly .if Blared I was already unfaithful.

" During supper I sat opposite my new visitor, who displayed
nor charms as if on purpose to captivate me. But by inspiring
.ie, she took fire also herself; her eyes answered mine, in a lan-
guage very easily understood by lovers ; and when the wine had

136 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

circulated a little, we each incautiously suffered our new pansier
to appear unrestrained.

" My first acquaintance continued to rally us with great good
humor, laughing chieny at me, and repeating rny former protesta-
tions. By degrees this pleasantry subsided. She became first
peevish, and then sullen. At length, having sat silent a consider -
able time, she arose and went out of the room. A few moments
after, the other lady fell into convulsions, and expired in my arms
while I was calling for assistance. In the midst of my alarm and
confusion, I inquired for the lady who had withdrawn, and I found
she had left the house. I then suspected, what was certainly the
case, that, instigated by rage and jealousy, she had conveyed
poison into her friend ; s wine, which she had just before poured
out for her.

" I was excessively afflicted at this fatal accident, and a good
deal alarmed for the consequences that might probably follow
from it. To avoid the latter, I ordered my servants (who fortu-
nately were the same I had brought from Moussoul) to take up the
pavement in the yard, and inter the body. In the morning I was
ready for a journey. I sent for my landlord, and told him par-
ticular business obliged me to follow my uncles to Cairo. I paid
him a year's rent in advance, and affixed my seal to the door of
the house. I then set out for Cairo, attended T vy all my domestics.

" I continued three years in that city, taking care regularly to
send my rent to my landlord. At last I determined to return
home, and arriving in my way at Damascus took possession of
my former habitation.

" In cleaning out the room where 1 used to eat, one of my ser-
vants found a beautiful pearl necklace, which. T. immediately knew
was worn by the lady who had so unfortunately perished in my
arms. I shed many tears over it; and resolved to remain a few
days at Damascus, to indulge the melancholy sensations which
this accident revived. After gome time my cash was nearly ex-
hausted; and as I found the sight of the necklace only contrib-
uted to make me wretched, I determined to part with it, instead
of carrying any of my own goods to market.

u I went accordingly to the bezestein, and employed a criei *o
show it to the jewellers. After a time he returned and told ma
that the pearls had been examined, and proved to be false, auJ
that the utmost he could get for it was fifty sherifs.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 137

" As I was entirely ignorant of its value, I ordered the cri.ir to
sell it and bring me the money. I waited some time for his return
and when he came, there were several people with him, one of
whom was the judiciary judge, who asked me if that necklace
was mine, and if I had offered to sell it for fifty sherifs ? On my
admitting this, another person, who was a jeweller, said to the
judge, ' You see, my lord, my charge is true ; the necklace is
mine. The pearls alone are worth two thousand sherifs, and this
young fellow offering to take fifty for it, is a full proof that he
stole it. ; The judge having satisfied himself as to the real value
of the pearls, ordered me to be bastinadoed till I confessed how I
came by it. This was instantly done with so much severity, that,
overcome with the torture, I confessed the charge ; on which the
judge delivered the necklace to the jeweller, and ordered my right
hand to be cut off.

" This sentence was executed on the spot, after which I was set
at liberty. I returned home, overcome with shame and sorrow.
My landlord, who had heard of my misfortune, came and con-
doled with me ; but concluded his discourse by telling me, that as
I had brought myself to so much infamy, 1 must immediately quit
his house ] nor was it without great difficulty I could prevail with
Mm to let me stay three days.

" I felt now still more severely the disgrace which had befallen
me ; and my grief was aggravated by considering the appearance
I should make before my father and my uncles. While I was re-
volving these tormenting deas, my house was surrounded by the
officers of justice, attended by a great crowd of people, at the head
of which was the jeweller who had so falsely accused me. They
forced open the doors, seized and bound me, reviling and execrating
me all the time in the harshest terms. For some time I demanded
in vain the cause of this violence ; at length I was told that the
necklace I had stolen was the property of the governor, whose
daughter had been missing above three years, and had that neck-
lace on when she was last seen.

" On hearing this, I gave myself up for lost. Despair supplied
the place of courage. My life was become hateful to me. I de-
termined, therefore, to relate the whole truth to the governor, and
to meet with resolution a fate I hardly wished to escape. AVhen
I was brought before him he ordered me to be unbound, and I ob-
served he looked upon me with an eye of compassion. * Is this

.138 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the man/ said he to the jeweller, * whom you charged with having
stolen this necklace ? 7 My adversary durst not deny it. ' 1 know,
replied the governor, he is falsely accused.' Encouraged by this
declaration, I avowed rny innocence, protesting that the confession
I had made was extorted from me by torture. ' 1 am ready/ con-
tinued I, ' to relate how it came into my hands ; but as to that man,
whose villanyhas brought me into such disgrace, I declare I never
saw him till this fatal day nor have I the least reason to believe
the necklace was ever seen by him before. 7 ' I know enough of
this matter myself/ replied the governor, * to be certain of your
innocence. Take away/ said he, * this base jeweller ; let him un-
dergo the same punishment he hath villanously brought upon this
poor young man, to whose use I confiscate his effects.'

" The assembly being dismissed, the governor withdrew with me
into a private room, where he desired me to tell him without fear
how I came into possession of the necklace. I related to him
every circumstance, at which he was greatly ' affected. 'Good
God!' said he, 'thy judgments are incomprehensible; I receive
with entire submission the stroke thou hast been pleased to inflict
on me. Know, my child/ said he to me, 'I am the father of the
two young ladies you have been speaking of.

" ' The first lady who had the imprudence to come to your house
was my eldest daughter. I had given her in marriage to my
brother's son, who was settled in Cairo. At his death she returned
home, corrupted with all manner of wickedness. The lady who
died so deplorably in your arms, was a very prudent young woman
till her eldest sister returned from Egypt, who made her insensibly
as wicked as herself. On the absence of my younger daughter, 1
made all possible inquiry after her, to no purpose ; and I recollect
now, that from that time, my eldest daughter devoted herself to sor-
row repenting no doubt of her jealous fury, she denied herself all
manner of food, and in that manner put an end to her wretched life.

" Such/ continued the governor, 'is the state of man ! such the
calamities from which no rank is secured ! Bat to make you rep-
aration for what you have suffered on their account, I will give
you in marriage the only child I have left, who is younger and
more beautiful than either of her ..isters. You shall have no other
house but mine : and when I die you shall be my heir. 7 I accepted
the governor's proposal with joy ; the contract was drawn, and our
nuptials would have been celebrated directly, but the fever from

ENTERTAINMENTS. 139

which your skill ha^ delivered me followed the loss of ray hand
and the agitations I had undergone. As I am now recovered, my
marriage will this day be completed."

The sultan being pleased with this story, directed the tailor to
repeat any remarkable occurrence which had befallen him.

THE STORY TOLD BY THE TAILOR.

A citizen of this city invited me two days ago to an entertain-
ment. The company were nearly assembled, when the master of
the house introduced a stranger polite and well dressed, but lame.
The young man paid his compliments very respectfully to every
one, till he came to a barber, when he started back, and hastened
toward the door. The master of the house, surprised at his emo-
tion, stopped him, and desired he would explain the cause. " For
God's sake, sir," replied the stranger, " let me go ; I cannot without
horror look upon that abominable barber. His face resembles an
Ethiopian, and his soul is ten times more black and horrible than
his face."

We were all amazed to hear these expressions, and began to look
very unfavorably on the barber, when our host said to the young;
man. " I brought you to my house to give you pleasure, and can-
not wish to detain you against your inclinations ; but I would be
glad to know why you expressed yourself against one of my guests
with so much bitterness. You owe," continued he, " this explana-
tion to me and to my other friends, that we may expel him from
our society, if he is unworthy of it."

" Gentlemen," replied the stranger, " this cursed barber is the
cause of my being lame. Besides, to his impertinence I owe the
severest disappointment and disgrace. On this account, I have
made a vow never to remain in the city where he dwells. To avoid
him I left Bagdad and travelled hither, into the heart of great
Tartary ; and I will now leave your city, and go, if I can, where
he shall never come." Every one became interested to hear the
cause of so great an aversion. The young man suffered himself to
be prevailed on to relate the reason; and setting down on the sofa,
with his back to the barber, gave us the following account :

"Very early in my life I contracted an aversion to women; in-
somuch that I cjarefully avoided all conversation with them; but
I chanced one day to cast my .eye up to a window, where I saw a
young lady of such exquisite beauty, & u at once dissipated my pre-

140 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

judiees, and inspired me with love. On inquiring who it was I was
thus enslaved by, I had the mortification to hear that she was the
only child of the first cadi, a man of great wealth, hut of still
greater pride and severity of manners. As all hope of obtaining
an interview with my charmer was improbable, I tiiod to subdue
my passion. But instead of succeeding, I found niy health so
affected by the tumult of my mini, that I was obliged to confine
myself to my bed. I grew worse daily, but carefully kept secret
the cause of my disorder. At last a notable old lady coming to see
me, observed I sighed often. She began to talk with me about
love, and being a woman of address, she found out the source of
my disorder.

"To her I unbosomed myself ; ^ and the old lady, delighting hi
such commissions, undertook to procure me an interview with my
mistress. This was by no means an easy undertaking, for the cadi
had brought up his daughter with so much strictness that it was a
long time before she would hear of such a measure. My trusty
advocate had art and perseverance; and at last obtained, hardly,
the young lady's consent to receive me on the following Friday, at
the time of noon prayers, when the cadi went to the mosque. These
welcome tidings restored my health and spirits, so that before the
appointed time, I was perfectly recovered.

' When the eagerly expected morning arrived, I dressed myself
to the best advantage, and sent for a barber to shave me. My
slave brought with him this wretch. When he came in, 'Sir,' said
he, ' you look as if you were not well : pray lot me know what ser-
vice I can do for you. I have brought my lancets as well as my
razor, and am prepared to bleed as well as to shave you.' I told
him I only wanted to be shaved, and that immediately, as I had an
appointment to attend at noon.

" He was a long time opening his case, and preparing his razors;
when, instead of proceeding to shave me, he took out an astrolabe,
and went very gravely out of the room to the middle cf the yard
to take the height of the sun. Returning with the same gravity,
he said, Sir, you will be pleased to know that this day is Friday,
the 18th of the mouth Safar, and that the conjunction of Mars and
Mercury signifies you cannot choose a better time than this very
day and this very hour for being shaved. But this conjunction M.
also ominous to you. You will this day be in great danger, n:fe
indeed of losing your life, but of an inconvenience which will at-
tend you as long as you live.'

ENTERTAINMENTS 141

" I was quite enraged at hi? prating and impertinence. I did
not send for you/ said I, ' to instruct me in astrology, but to fchavo
me j which I insist on your doing directly, or go about your busi-
ness. 7 ' Sir,' replied he with a dulness that put me out of all pa-
tience, ' why do you put yourself in a passion ? Do you think I
am a common shaver ? You sent for a barber only ; but besides
having in me the best barber in Bagdad, you have also an expe-
rienced physician, a very profound chemist, an infallible astrolo-
ger, a finished grammarian, a complete orator, a subtile logician,
an admirable mathematician and historian ; besides, I know all
parts of philosophy. I am a poet, an architect, and excel in all
the sciences. Your late father, my very good friend, whose mem-
ory I revere, held me in the highest esteem. I am ' l Prithee,
peace, thou endless babbler, 7 exclaimed I, interrupting him, ' and do
the business I sent for you to do. 7

" * You do me wrong, 7 replied he, to call me a babbler \ on the
contrary, all the world give me the honorable title of Silent. 7
Finding he was again beginning to harangue, I ordered my slave
to pay him, and turn him out of doors ; but even this did not re-
lieve me. 1 1 came here, 7 said he, ' to shave you and by the faith
of a Mussulman, I will not leave you until I have performed that
operation. 7

In hope of getting rid of him, I submitted to be shaved by
him, only desiring him to be speedy. He had scarcely begun to
use his razor, when he stopped, saying, ' I wonder, sir, you will
not avoid those transports of rage, which come only from the
devil. Besides, you ought to have more respect for a man of my
age, knowledge, and many virtues. You have an engagement at
noon ] why, it now wants at least three hours of that time. 7 Again
he laid down his razor, ^nd took up his astrolabe, leaving me half
shaved, to go and see what time of day it was. ' I told you, 7 said
Le, on his return, 'you have time enough. 7 I could hold no
longer. ' You cursed barber, you barber of mischief, 7 said I, * I know
not what hinders me from strangling you ! 7 ' Patience, sir, 7 said
he, ' I am just about to complete your business. 7

" I should weary you in relating how he further exercised my
patience. I heard the first and last call to noon prayers : I wns
not even able to rid myself of this abominable fellow, till long
after they had begun. I hastened then to my appointment, but
had tha mortification to perceive ho followed me. I passed hastily

14'2 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

through many streets, in hope of giving him the slip ; which when
I thought I had completed, I hastened to the cadi's house : but as
I ascended the stairs, to the young lady's apartment, I saw him
take his station opposite the door of the mansion.

" My mistress received me kindly, and I should have been per-
fectly happy, had I not dreaded this impertinent fellow would ex-
pose me. Nor was this fear groundless; when the cadi returned
he did not come near his daughters apartments, but it chanced
that he chastised a slave who had misbehaved. Tho barber, hear-
ing his outcries, supposed they came from mo ; and officiously
screaming out, he rent his clothes, threw dust on his head, and
called out to the neighbors for assistance. A crowd soon gathered
round the house, to whom the barber cried out, * Help, Mussulmans,
for the love of God ! they are assassinating my master, my dear
patron. I saw him go in here, and they have been just now bas-
tinadoing him, for I heard his outcries. 7

" The crowd became enraged at th's story, nor could even the
venerable presence of the cadi inspire them with respect, when
he came forth to pacify them. ' Ah ! you cursed cadi ! you dog
of a cadi !' exclaimed the barber, i how durst you thus assault a
Mussulman ? I know your daughter is in love with my patron,
and hath invited him here, during the time of noon prayers, and I
heard him cry out under the barbarous discipline you inflicted on
him.' The cadi denied all this, but finding the people continued
enraged, he offered to permit the barber, and two or three others,
to enter his house and search for me.

" At the beginning of the disturbance, I had hid myself, at the
earnest request o-f the young lady, in a large empty trunk. This
trunk escaped the attention of the other people; but the officious
barber opened it, and no sooner saw me, thon he gave a great shout,
and placing it on his head, ran into the street. As he carried me,
one part of the trunk, which was very old, fell off, and exposed me
to the shouts of the mob, now very much lisposed to turn the
matter into a jest. I could not bear this, but leaped out into the
street with so much haste, that I hurt my leg, ai_d iave been lame
ever since.

"I was not sensible at first how bad I was hurt, and, therefore,
having thrown handfuls of money among the people, I endeavored
+.0 escape; but the mischievous barber still continued to persecute
me. Stay, sir,' cried he, < why do you run so fast ? Alas ! if you

ENTKR 'V IFMKN-S. 143

bad taken my advice, you would ro A *iave been in that x)er,-loii9
situation, from which it was my good fortune tc deliver you.
Whither do you run, then, sir ? Stay for me. J

u Not content w.ith this, he went all over the town relating this
story, with a variety of ridiculous circumstances of his own inven-
tion. In short, finding when I was cured that I had no more hope
of seeing the lady, and that the people were everywhere disposed
to laugh at me, through the malice or folly of this detestable
barber, I determined to quit for ever my native city and never
to remain in any other, if that fellow snould come to it. Having
now, gentlemen, gratified your curiosity, I must desire that you
will permit me to fulfil that resolution/' Saying this, he arose,
and without looking at the barber, bade us farewell.

We expressed our surprise at this story, and some of us began to
blame the barber, who raising up his head for the first time, ac-
knowledged the story to be generally true. " But," said he, " did
not he throw himself into the danger I warned him of, and from
which I delivered him : what reason then has he to complain of me ?
But thus it is, to serve unthankful people ! As to his story of my
being a prattling fellow, it is an absolute scandal. Of seven
brothers I am the lea&t talker, though the most witty. T) con-
vince you, gentlemen, I need only relate to you their stories, a? d
my own. Let me request your attention.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER.

In the reign of the late caliph, the roads near Bagdad were
much infested by ten highwaymen. Their depredations, every
day more insolent, at length reached the ear of the caliph, who
commanded the judge of the police to apprehend them within a
rmited time, on pain of death. Alarmed at this rigorous order,
tLe judge exerted himsolf so effectually, that they were all taken
1 y the next day, which was the day of Bairam. As it was holiday
time, I was walking on the banks of the Tigris, and seeing a num-
*)er of well-dressed men et-ter a boat, I concluded they were O oing
to spend the festival in jollity : so without ceremony, I entered
the boat along with them. Every one preserved a profound silence,
a d f presently observed part of the company were officer^ of the
I 'iad very little time to reflect on my situation, which I
^ i- do with much uneasiness, when w* landed \t *he royal
. u ere *ve were received by a par r y of guards, who bound

144 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

us all with cords, that had not thu coigns of office in their hands.
Expostulation I saw was in vain ; I suffered myself, therefore, to
be led away with the highwaymen, without remonstrance. When
we were brought before the caliph he ordered our heads to be
immediately struck off. All my companions were clamorous for
mercy : I alone was silent. The executioner soon despatched the
highwaymen, and was proceeding to put me to death, when the
caliph, seeing something in my appearance which took his atten-
tion, condescended to examine me himself. I related to him the
accident which brought me into my perilous situation, with so
much simplicity, that the caliph was convinced of my innocence,
and set me at large ; highly commending my fortitude and silence
in a moment of so much danger. After this, it is hardly neces-
sary to relate to you the stories of my six brothers, whose charac-
ters brighten mine. Yet for your amusement, I am willing to re-
peat them.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S ELDEST BROTHER.

My eldest brother, whose name was Bacbouc, had the misfor-
tune to be humpbacked. He was a tailor, and having but little
business, could scarcely maintain himself. Opposite his shop lived
a wealthy miller, who had a very handsome wife, with whom my
eilly brother fell in love. The miller's wife soon perceived the
conquest she had made, and determined to turn his passion to her
amusement; she often smiled upon him from her window, and
whenever she appeared there, he did not fail to express his passion,
by every grimace he could invent.

The miller's wife was all this time studying to punish his pre-
sumption. She began by sending him stuffs to be made up into
different garments. All these, the slave used to tell him, her mis-
tress praised highly ; but she never sent any money for *he making
or trimmings. He was too gallant to ask for any, and off en went
with a hungry belly in the evening, after having labored hard all
day for his unmerciful mistress ; but as the slave did not forget to
hint every now and then what a progress he was milking in her
affection, the poor tailor was quite happy in his sufferings. After
Borne time, the lady fearing others should take notice of I5acl>oue ; s
behavior, and by that means her character might b3 aspersed,
contrived to get rid of him in the following manner

She related to her husband the story of my brother's love, and

ENTER T A I \M KNTS. 1 1 5

her plan to punish it. The miller, highly delighted, readily agreed
to give his assistance. The same evening he calle.1 upon my
brother, and invited him to sup with him. Baobouc had no doubt
but his mistress had contrived this invitation ; he was overjoyed,
and put on his best apparel, to look more amiable in her eyes.
The repast was a homely one, but the tailor was too much in love
to find fault with it. When it grew late, the miller said, " Brother,
you had better not go home to-night : 1 will show you a bed in the
mill." Which offer Bacbouc thankfully accepted.

Early in the morning, the miller went to my brother, and said,
" Neighbor, my mule is ill, and I have a great deal of corn to grind
to-day, you will do me much kindneas if you will turn my mill in
Ler stead." Bacbouc, willing to oblige, consented. The miller
fastened the tackle to him in such a manner that he could not dis-
engage himself, and then giving him two or three smart cuts with
a horsewhip, said, " Go, neighbor !" "Hold !" replied my brother,
" why do you whip me ?" " ; Tis to make you brisk !" saiu the mil-
ler, giving him at the same time a hearty cut " my mule is neve r
brisk without I whip her. Courage, neighbor," continued he, using
the whip all the time, "you perform admirably; I shall always
think myself bound to you for your friendly assistance." In short,
the miller drove poor Bacbouc round, continuing to whip him,
till his strength was nearly exhausted. His persecutor then with-
drew, and the slave who had fed his hopes appeared and released
him. She would fain have persuaded him that her mistress knew
nothing of the treatment he had received, and would be exceed-
ingly sorry for it. Bacbouc heard her in silence, and crept home
to his house, smarting, fatigued, ashamed, and entirely cured of his
illicit passion for his neighbor's wife.

STORY OF THE BARBER'S SECOND BROTHER.

My second brother was called Bacbarah. One day an old
woman came up to him, and asked him in a whisper, if he loved a
good treat, and could be obliging to a fine woman. On his an-
swering yes, she said, li Follow me, then, and I will conduct you to
both."

"When she had led him to the saloon of a handsome palace, she
paid, a The lady I shall introduce you to is of admirable beauty,
but of very fanciful humor; if you agree to submit to her caprice,
I will engage she will receive you favorably." My brother, see-

7

146 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ing everything about him very elegant, was delighted with his
good fortune, and readily agreed to submit to whatever should be
required of him.

The old woman made a signal, when two slaves entered, and
conducted Bacbarah to a bath. After bathing, they presented him
with rich robes, instead of his own mean apparel ; and when he
was dressed, they led him to a hall, where they found a lovely
young lady, surrounded by a group of merry slaves, who all en-
deavored to divert her. The lady received him with great respect,
obliged him to sit down by her, and ordered a grand entertain-
ment to be immediately served. At dinner she helped him to the
nicest viands and choicest wines; when the tables were removed,
perfume and rose-water were thrown over him by her own hands

A concert followed the repast, during which the lady ogled the
enraptured Bacbarah, till his hopes were wound up to the highest
pitch. The lady observing this called for wine, and pretending to
drink his health, she put the glass to her lips, and then flung the
wine in his face.

My brother was almost blinded, and the slaves gathered round
him while in this condition, Some pinching him, others filliping him
by the nose, and offqring him a thousand affronts. He bore all
this with great good humor, laughing with the company, as though
highly delighted with the jest. On which the lady said, " Brother,
you arc quite a man to my mind ; the complaisance with which you
submit to my little fancies, shall not be forgotten." " Take the
gentleman out," said she, " and when you have obeyed orders,
bring him here again."

The old woman led my brother to an adjoining apartment, where
he found several stout slaves, who, in spite of his opposition and
outcries, cut off his whiskers and beard, painted his eyebrgws,
and dressed him in the habit of a woman. Bacbarah was much
enraged; but his conductress promising her lady would reward
his condescension, he suffered her to lead him back to her mistress.

On his entrance, the young lady laughed till she fell back on
her sofa. Her slaves also joined in the ridicule, dancing round
him, by turns pushing him about and pinching him. till he was
spent with fatigue and vexation. The old woman at last rescued
him, and led him out again. She then supplied him with wine,
praised his complaisance, and told him he had but one more in
Btimce to give of it, " My mistress," continued she, ' requires thai

ENTERTAINMENTS. 147

you strlM off your clothes, and pursue her from chamber to cham-
ber, till you catch her; that done, you will be master of your own
wishes."

My silly brother, having submitted to so many mortifications,
was unwilling to lose the promised reward by refusing one more
compliance. He stripped, therefore, as required ; and all the doors
of the apartments being thrown open, he pursued the lady three
times round them. At last she took shelter in a dark passage.
Bacbarah followed her with alacrity, but the darkness obliged him
to proceed slowly. She regained the apartments by a private pas-
sage ; while my brother crept on till he perceived a light, which
he had no sooner reached, than a door shut violently behind
him, and he found himself in one of the obscure streets of the
city.

A crowd soon gathered around him, and his strange appearance,
almost naked, his eyebrows painted, and without beard or mus-
tachios, rendered him a fair object of ridicule. They shouted after
him, and pelted him. It would have been well for poor Bacbarah,
if his misfortunes had ended here; but one of the magistrates pass-
ing by, and seeing the tumult, inquired the cause of it. My broth-
er's figure was too indecent to pass unpunished. The magistrate
concluded his frolic, by ordering him a hundred blows oii the
feet, and banishing him from the city.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER ? S THIRD BROTHER.

My third brother's name was Bacbac ; he was, unfortunately,
blind, and so poor that he was obliged to beg for his support. He
had a custom of knocking at any door he came to, and not answer-
ing till it was opened to him. One day, having knocked a long
time at a door, though often called out to, the master of the house
at last opened it, and asked him what he wanted. u That you will
relieve my necessities/ 7 replied Bacbac; "I am blind, and cannot
earn a maintenance." " If you are blind," said the man, " give
me your hand." Bacbac did so ; and the man led him up stairs
to a chamber. My brother began to hope for a bountiful alms,
when the man let go of his hand and said, " Alas, poor man, I can
give you nothing ! I can only pray God to restore your sight."
li You might have told me so at the door," replied my brother,
testily, u and not given me the trouble of coming up hither." " And
why, fool," said the other, " do you not answer when you are call-

148 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ed to, and not give people the trouble of coming to you ? Begone,
I will not give you anything.'' " At least you will lead me to the
door?" said Bacbac. " Not I, indeed," replied the man; '-'the
stairs arc before you ; get out as you can. ;; My brother, in at-
tempting to return, fell down the stairs, and was much bruised; he
recovered the door with difficulty, where he sat down complaining
of the ill treatment he had received.

Two other blind men, companions of my brother, coming by,
stopped to condole with him ; after which they all agreed to sup
together at Bacbac's house. The man who had served my brother
this scurvy trick was a sharping fellow. He had been listening
and laughing at my brother during his complaint, but when he
heard them talk of supping together, and something said of sharing
some money, he resolved to go along with them. Accordingly, he
followed, and entered the house with them unperceived. As soon
as they had shut the door, they began to feel about with their sticks
to discover if any one had intruded among them this perplexed
the sharper much, till, as he was striving to avoid them, he espied
a rope hanging from the ceiling. As he was an active fellow, he
easily jumped up, caught hold of it, and hung by it until they had
finished their search.

The blind men then began to talk of their affairs. Bacbac pro-
duced a large bag of cash, out of which he gave the others ten
drachms each, and took the same sum himself. " There now re-
main," said he, "ten thousand drachms, which we will weigh or tell,
if you desire it." His companions declared they were fully satis-
fied, on which he tied up the bag and put it away. They then pro-
duced the provision which had been given them during the day.
The sharper sat himself down beside my brother, and began to pick
out the nicest bits and eat them. But whatever care he took, my
brother heard his chaps going, and cried out, " We are undone !
there is a stranger among us !" Saying this, he seized the sharper,
and began to beat him, crying out, " Thieves !" The other blind
men also fell upon him; but the sharper, who was a stout young
fellow, and had the advantage of his sight, dealt his blows about
among the blind men very severely, crying out " Thieves !" louder
than any of them.

The uproar speedily brought in the neighbors, who, having part*
ed the combatants, demanded the cause of the quarrel. Bacbac
cried out, " Gentlemen, this man is a thief, and has crept in among

ENTERTAINMENTS. 149

us, to rob us of the little money \ve have got." The sharper, who,
as soon as the neighbors camo in, had shut his eyes and feigned
himself also blind, cried out, " He is alia*-. I swear to you by the
life of the caliph, that I am their companion ; and they refuse to
give me my share ; they have all three fallen upon me, and I de-
mand justice. 7 '

The neighbors considered the matter as too serious a business
for them to settle : they therefore conveyed them before a magis-
trate. As soon as they came into his presence, the sharper cried
out, " Venerable sir, we are all guilty of a great offence, but having
taken an oath not to confess unless we are bastinadoed, by that
means only can you come at the truth." The magistrate would not
hear a word from either of the others, but immediately put him
under that discipline.

The sharper had the courage to bear twenty or thirty blows, when,
as if overcome with pain, he opened one eye, and presently after
the other, crying out for mercy. The judge suspended the punish-
ment, and demanded by what miracle he had so suddenly recovered
his sight. " If sir," said he, '' you will pardon me, and as a pledge
intrust me with your seal ring, I will make an important discov-
ery." The judge consented, and gave him the ring. " Sir," said
the sharper, " we are none of us blind, but feign ourselves so, by
which means we enter people's houses, and play many bad tricks
unsuspected. We have amassed by our rogueries the sum of ten
thousand drachms, which you will find concealed in a cupboard in
the house we came from. This evening I demanded my share, and
declared I would leave off so infamous a way of life; and it was on
this account that they fell upon me and beat me."

The magistrate sent and searched for the money, which being
found, confirmed the sharper's testimony. The judge, in a rage,
ordered the blind men to be bastinadoed till they opened their eyes.
In vain they protested it was utterly impossible for them to do so ;
in vain they took Heaven to witness that their accuser was a cheat
and a liar ; they received each two hundred blows, the sharper all
the while exhorting them to open their eyes and shorten their pun-
ishment.

The judge finding after so severe a chastisement that they still
appeared as before, and continued to assert their innocence, began
to hesitate. He ordered the executioner to stop, and contented
himself with banishing them from the city, after having given one
fourth of their money to the sharper, and confiscated the rest

150 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S FOURTH BROTHER.

Alcouz was the name of my fourth brother. He was a butcher
by profession. One day, an old man, with a long white beard, came
and bought some meat of him. The money with which he paid him
was so fresh and well coined, that my brother laid it apart by it-
self. The same old man came every day for a considerable time,
and always paid for his meat in the same sort of specie, which Al-
couz as regularly put apart from his other cash.

At length, having occasion to buy some sheep, he was obliged to
use this fine money ; but on opening his chest, instead of cash, he
saw only a parcel of leaves clipped round to the size of specie. My
brother w r as alarmed at this phenomenon. He ran out to his neigh-
bors, weeping, and was beginning to tell them what had befallen
him, when he saw the old man coming toward them. He ran up
to him and took him by the collar, crying out, "Help, Mussulmans,
hear how wickedly this old fellow has defrauded me !"

The old man stood with great unconcern, while my brother re-
lated his case to the bystanders. When he had finished his story,
the old man said to him in a haughty style, ll You would act wisely
to let me go, and not compel me to expose you as you deserve for
thus publicly affronting me." Alcouz defied and threatened him ;
on which the old man replied, " You will have me tell it, then ?"
and turning to the people, "Know," said he, "my friends, this
fellow, instead of selling you mutton, sells you man's flesh. At
this moment there is a man with his throat cut, hung up in his
shop like a sheep !"

My brother had just before killed a sheep, dressed it, and hung
it up as usual. He protested what the old man said was false ;
but the mob being prejudiced against him by this accusation,
would go to his shop, and search it. They found there, as they
thought, a man murdered and hung up as mutton ; for the old man,
who was a magician, deceived the eyes of the people, as he did
those of my brother when he made him take leaves instead of
money. The rage of the multitude was so great against Alcouz,
that they dismissed the magician, who got away as fast as he
could ; and every one was eager to chastise my unfortunate brother.
They conveyed him before the judge of the police, where a great
number were ready to declare his guilt on oath. As Alcouz, not
withstanding, strenuously asserted his innocence, the judge sent
some of his officers with the accusers, to bring the body of the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 1 >1

murdered man before him ; but when they came to the shop, they
found only the carcass of a sheep

"When this account was brought to the magistrate he was con-
founded, nor knew how to determine. As the body was not found,
he woul.l not put my brother to death ; but as many witnesses pro-
.tcsted tnat they had seen a man slaughtered in the shop, he ordered
him five hundred stripes, confiscated his effects, and banished him
tjie city.

Poor Alcouz left Bagdad by night, and the next evening o!rew
near another town where he. was unknown ; as he advanced toward
trie gate, he heard a great noise of horsemen behind him. After
what had befallen him, he dreaded everything. He took it into
his head that these men were pursuing him, and to avoid them he
entered into a court-yard of a great house, and endeavored to hide
himself. Two of the servants saw him and when the unlucky
Alcouz had taken possession of his hiding-place, they seized him as
a thief, who had concealed himself there with the intent to rob their
master. They disregarded his protestations of innocence, and hur-
ried him before a magistrate, who ordered him a hundred stripes
on suspicion; but when they had made bare his back, and saw the
marks of his former flagellation, the judge concluded he was some
desperate rogue who had been deservedly punished elsewhere ; he
doubled, therefore, the number of stripes, and banished him from
that town also, on pain of death. Poor Alcouz could scarcely sup-
port his second misfortune, and would certainly have sunk under
it, if I had not heard of his afflictions, and succored him.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER'S FIFTH BROTHER.

Alnaschar, my fifth brother, was very lazy, and of course
wretchedly poor. On the death of our father we divided his prop-
erty, and each of us received a hundred drachms of silver for his
share. Alnaschar, who hated labor, laid out his money in fine
glasses, and having displayed his stock to the best advantage in a
large basket, he took his stand in the market-place, with his back
against the wall, waiting for customers. In this posture he in-
dulged a revery, talking aloud to himself as follows : " This glass
cost me a hundred drachms of silver, which is all I have in the
world. I shall make two hundred by retailing it ; and of these
very shortly four hundred. It will not be long before these pro
duee four thousand. Money, they say, begets money. I shall soon

152 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

therefore be possessed of eight thousand, and when these become
ten thousand, I will no longer be a glass-seller. I will trade in
pearls and diamonds; and as I shall become rich apace, I will have
a splendid palace, a great estate, slaves, eunuchs, and horses ; I will
not, however, leave traffic till I have acquired a hundred thousand
drachms. Then I shall be as great as a prince, and will assume
manners accordingly.

" I will demand the daughter of the grand vizier in marriage, who,
no doubt, will be glad of an alliance with a man of my consequence.
The marriage ceremony shall be performed with the utmost splen-
dor and magnificence. As soon as I am married, I will present the
lady with ten young black eunuchs, the handsomest that can be
procured. I will have my horse clothed with the richest housings,
ornamented with diamonds and pearls, and will be attended by a
number of slaves, all richly dressed, when I go to the vizier's palace
to conduct my wife thence to my own. The vizier shall re-
ceive me with great pomp, and shall give me the right hand and
place me above himself, to do me the more honor. On our return,
I will appoint two of my handsomest slaves to throw money among
the populace, that every one may speak well of my generosity.

" When we arrive at my own palace, I will take great state
upon me, and hardly speak to my wife. She shall dress herself in all
her ornaments, and stand before me as beautiful as thefullmoon, but
I will not look at her. Her slaves shall draw near, and entreat me
to cast my eyes upon her; which, after much supplication, I will
deign to do, though with great indifference. I will not suffer her
to come out of her apartment without my leave ; and when I have
a mind to visit her there, it shall be in a manner that will make
her respect me. Thus will I begin early to teach her what she is
to expect the rest of her life.

" When her mother comes to visit her, she will intercede with
me for her. ' Sir,' she will say (for she will not dare to call me
eon, for fear of offending me by so much familiarity), * do not, I
beseech, treat my daughter with scorn ; she is as beautiful as an
Houri, and entirely devoted to you.' But my mother-in-law may
as well hold her peace, for I will take no notice of what she says.
She will then pour out some wine into a goblet, and give it to my
wife, saying, < Present it to your lord and husband ; he will not
surely be so cruel as to refuse it from so fair a hand.' My wife
will then come with the glass, and stand trembling before me ; and

ENTERTAINMENTS. J 5 3

when she finds that I do not look on her, but continue to disdain
her, she will kneel and entreat me to accept it but I will continue
inflexible. At last, redoubling her tears, she will rise and put the
goblet to my lips; when, tired with her importunities, I will dart
a terrible look at her, and give her such a push with my foot as
will spurn her from me" Alnaschar was so interested in this ima-
ginary grandeur, that he thrust forth his foot to kick the lady, and
by that means overturned his glasses, and broke them into a thou-
sand pieces.

A tailor, whose shop was near him, having heard his soliloquy,
laughed heartily when he saw the basket fall. " What a slave you
are," said he to my brother, " to treat such a lovely bride so cruelly !
Were I the vizier, your father-in-law, I would order you a hun-
dred lashes with a bull's pizzle, and send you through the town
with your character written on your forehead.' 7

Alnaschar wanted not the raillery of his neighbor to make him
repent hi absurd behavior. When he looked on the fragments of
his brittle ware, so foolishly demolished, he was almost distracted .
he beat his breast, tore his hair, and his outcries soon gathered a
crowd about him. A lady, passing by, inquired the cause of the
tumult ; and being told that a poor man had lost all his substance
by the fall of his basket of glass, she kindly gave him a sum equal
to what he had laid out in his goods.

Alnaschar returned home rejoicing, and blessing his benefactress-
He had scarcely arrived, when an old woman came to his door, and
requested he would permit her to come in and wash before she
went to the mosque to prayers. After she had performed the cere-
mony of ablution, she entered into conversation with my brother,
and told him that in return for his civility, she would introduce
him to her lady, a woman of great beauty and fortune, who was
disposed to marry, and would pay regard to her recommendation,
which she would give to him. Alnaschar listened to this fable with
attention ; and being of a sanguine temperament, he begged the old
woman would introduce him directly ; which, after seeming hesi-
tation she consented to do.

My brother was conducted by his guest to a decent house, and
introduced to a young lady, who received him with civility. After
some conversation, she arose, and with a gracious smile told him
she liked his person and conversation so well, that she would
con luct him to a repast in the inner apartment. Alnasrhr.r

154 ARABIAN NIGHTS

overjoyed with his good fortune, followed her into another room,
from whence she withdrew, as she said, for a short time. My
brother awaited her return wilh impatience ; but when the door
opened again, instead of a beautiful and condescending lady, there
apueared a tall black slave, of a fierce aspect, with a drawn scimetar
in his hand. At the sight of this terrific figure, the heart of my
brother sank within him. Nor were his fears ill-grounded. The
black came up to him, and gave him several severe cuts. Alnas-
char was so terrified that he fell down in a fit. The slave took
away the hundred drachms which the old woman had probably
seen him receive ; and opening a trap-door, threw my brother,
whom he supposed dead, into a place under ground, among the
bodies of several people whom he had murdered in this manner.

When Alnaschar revived, and recollected his situation, his first
care was to bind up his wounds, in which he succeeded pretty well
he next ventured to lift up the trap iii the night, and by great
good fortune, he made his way out of the house unobserved, and,
came to me for shelter.

It was nearly a month before he was fully recovered. Duriug
this time he contrived a plan to be revenged, which he executed in
this manner : he disguised himself like an old woman, and took a
large purse, which he filled with pieces of glass, and tied to his
girdle. He then took a scimetar, which he concealed under his
gown, and went into the most frequented parts of the city, in hopes
of meeting the wicked hag who had enticed him into so much
mischief.

It was not long before he found her; when, counterfeiting a
woman's voice, he said to her, "I am a stranger, just arrived, and
should be glad to weigh five hundred pieces of gold, to see if they
vril pass here : can you recommend me to a goldsmith ? 7/ " Friend,"
replied the old woman, '' you could not have applied to a more
proper person; my son is a goldsmith ; come with me, and he
shall weigh them for you directly." The pretended traveller
agreed ; and the old woman led him, as he expected, to the fatal
mansion whence he had so narrowly escaped.

On his arrival the black came to him, and desired he would walk
into an inner room where the scales were. Alnaschar readily fol-
lowed him; and on entering the hall, with one blow cut off the
head of his treacherous conductor. The old woman presently came
in, in high spirits; but when she saw what had happened, du- sot

ENTERTAINMENTS. 155

up a great cry, and would have fled : my brother prevented her ;
and after reproaching her as she deserved, he put her to death,
and tumbled both the dead bodies through the trap-door.

Alnaschar spared the young lady, who on her part showed him
the several coffers full of gold which these wretches had so wick-
edly obtained. This wealth' he resolved to seize ; and leaving the
lady, he went in search of porters, with sacks, to remove it ; but
she took advantage of his absence, and on his return the treasure
was gono. A great quantity of valuable movables, however, re-
mained, with which he loaded his porters, and carried away a con-
siderable booty. Had my brother been content with this, he had
been wise ; but being covetous, he paid so many visits to the house
with his porters, that the curiosity of the neighbors was excited.
An information to the magistrate followed; all the plunder was
laid hold of by him ] and poor Alnaschar thought he was well off,
when the judge was content with banishing him from the city.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER 7 S SIXTH BROTHER.

Shacabac, my youngest brother, was so poor that he was re-
duced to beggary ; but having some humor, he contrived to fare
tolerably well. It happened, one evening, that he applied for an
alms at the palace of a Barmecide, when the porter said to him,
" Go in and find out our master ; he will not send you away dis-
satisfied."

Thus encouraged, my brother entered the palace, and strolled
from room to room, till he came into a hall adorned with paintings
of gold, azure foliage, and splendidly furnished. At the upper
end of this room he saw a venerable man with a long white beard,
whose appearance carried with it an air of dignity. My brother
concluded, as was the truth, that it was the master of the house ;
he saluted him therefore with the greatest respect. The Barme-
cide received him kindly, and asked him what he wanted. Shaca-
bac, in an humble manner, related his necessities, and besought re-
lief; concluding his sad tale by declaring that he had not eaten
anything the whole day.

The Barmecide, when my brother had ended, put his hands to
his garments, as if he would have rent his clothes. " Is it possi-
ble." said he, " that such a man as you can be as poor as you say ?
This must not be. But come, as you have not eaten to-day, you
must be ready to die with hunger; ho, boy ! bring in the water t

156 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

wash our hands, and order supper immediately ." Shacabac was
confounded at this gracious reception, and was about to express
his gratitude, when the Barmecide began to rub his hands, as though
oni3 one poured water on them, and invited my brother to come
and wash with Jaini. No boy appeared, nor was there either basin
or water : yet my brother thought he ought not, in complaisance,
contradict his host ; he came forward, therefore, and did as he did-

" Come," said the Barmecide, " let us now have supper /' and
though nothing was brought, he pretended to cut, as if a dish of
meat were before him, and began to chew, saying to my brother*
" Eat, friend, eat heartily \ you said you was hungry, but you pro-
ceed as if you had no appetite." Shacabac gave readily into the
ioke, and imitating the Barmecide, said, tl You see, my lord, I lose
no time." " Boy," said the old gentleman, " bring us another dish
Come, my good friend, taste of this mutton and barley broth, unless
you prefer part of that goose, with sweet sauc-3, vinegar, honey ?
raisins, grey peas, and dry figs ; eat, however, sparingly of it, as
we have a variety of good things to come." Shacabac, fainting
with hunger, pretended to feast heartily on these invisible dainties.
The Barmecide continued to call for other dishes, and boasted
much of a lamb fed with pistachio nuts ; " a dish," said he, li you
will find at no table but mine ; let me help you to some, and judge
if i have not reason to praise it." My brother made as if
he received the lamb, and ate it with great pleasure. "Nothing
can be more delicious," said he ; " your table, my lord, abounds
with good things." " Eat heartily, then," said the Barmecide, fc you
cannot oblige me more." " You see, my lord," replied my brother,
" how I testify my approbation."

An imaginary dessert succeeded. The Barmecide did not fail to
recommend the several fruits and confections. Shacabac extolled
them yet more ; till, tired of moving his jaws, and having nothing
to eat, he declared he could eat no more. " Let us drink then,"
said the Barmecide ; " bring some wine." " Excuse me, my lord,"
said Shacabac, " I will drink no wine, because it is forbidden."
u You are too scrupulous," replied his host ; " you must not refuse
to keep me company." " I cannot refuse your lordship," replied
my brother, " but must entreat you not to urge the glass ; for I am
not accustomed to wine* and fear lest it should betray me into any-
thing like disrespect to you." " Wine, here," called out the Bar-
mecide ; then holding out his hand, as if to receive a bottle, ho

ENTERTAINMENTS. Io7

turned to my brother, and seemed to fill him a glass, and himself
another. Shacabac made as if he took up a glass, and bowing
very low, he drank the health of his host. The Barmecide con-
tinued to supply his guest with imaginary bumpers, till at length
my brother (weary of the joke, and beginning to be a little out of
humor) affected to be drunk, got up from his seat, and gave the
Barmecide so hearty a box 011 the ear, that he knocked him
down. He was about to repeat the blow, but the old gentleman
calling out, he pretended to come to himself. " You have been so
good, my lord," said he, " to admit your slave to your table, and to
give him a noble treat : but you should not have compelled me to
drink wine, as I told you I feared it would cause me to misbehave,
which I am exceedingly sorry it has done."

The Barmecide, instead of being in a rage, laughed heartily. " I
have long wished," said he, <; for a man of your character ; but
come, we will now sup in good earnest." Saying this, he clapped
his hands, and the servants appearing, he ordered supper and the
several dishes they had tasted of in fancy, were really set before
them.

The old gentleman, finding my brother a man of good under-
standing, as well as of much pleasantry, retained him in his ser-
vice. For twenty years Shacabac lived happy in his protection ;
but then the generous Barmecide died, and his estate being seized
by the caliph, his dependants were all dismissed.

Shacabac, after this, undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca, the
caravan he joined was attacked and dispersed by a number of Be-
douins, and my brother became a slave to one of them. His af-
flictions in this situation were very grievous, till at length I he^ird
of his distress, ransomed him, and brought him home.

The sultan of Casgar was highly pleased with these stories, and
expressed a desire to see this talkative barber. He was soon found
and introduced to the sultan. His appearance was respectable ;
he had a pleasant countenance : and his long beard, as white as
snow, denoted his age, which was upward of ninety. The prince
received him very graciously, but laughed at him for his prattling
11 It would be a bad time for me," said he. "to be silent now: I
have hoard the story of little Hunchback, and am acquainted with
the regard your majesty had for him ; I beg I may be permitted
to examine the body."

After having surveyed it some time, the barber fell into a great

158 AKABIAN NIGHTS

fit of laughter, without considering the respect due to the sultaa
" Sileuce, man," said the prince to him, " why do you laugh so."

" I swear by your majesty's good humors/ 7 answered the barber,
"that this is a very extraordinary business. Hunchback is not
dead. If I do not immediately restore him, I am content to pass
for the prattling fellow I have been very unhandsomely called."
Saying this, he put an instrument down Hunchback's throat, and
pulled out a bit of fish and bone, which he showed to the sultan;
he then took out a vial of balsam, with which he rubbed Hunch-
buck's neck, who presently sneezed, and gave other signs of life ;
and in a short time was perfectly recovered.

The sultan was astonished at this wonderful cure. He formed
a very different opinion of the barber from what he had before
conceived : and engaged him in his service, as a man of very sin-
gular abilities. Before he dismissed the tailor, the Jewish doctor,
the purveyor, and the Christian merchant, he ordered each of them
to be clothed in his presence, with a rich robe of honor, as a rec-
ompense for their integrity and their sufferings.

THE HISTORY OF ABOULHASSP:N ALI EBN EECAR, AND SCHEMSEL-
NIHAR, FAVORITE OF THE CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID.

The king of the isle of Ebene, having the audacity to rebel
against the illustrious Haroun Alraschid, to whom he was tribu-
tary, the caliph sent a powerful army to chastise him. The event
showed the rashness of the insurgents. The natives of Ebene were
soon subdued; and their king with all his family, except an infant
daughter, fell in the dispute.

The princess, too young to be sensible of her misfortune, was
brought to Bagdad, and educated in the harem of the caliph.
Nature had endowed her with every amiable qualification ; and
the utmost pains were taken in her education. As she approached
the age of a woman, her beauty increased, and received such lustre
from her vivacity, her wit. and elegant accomplishments, that she.
became irresistible.

The caliph ever treated her with great tenderness; her sprightly,
yet artless carriage, her gentle manners, and benevolent disposi-
tion, gained exceedingly on his affections ; and when time had
ripened the beauties of her person, the amorous prince declared
his intention of sharing with her the throne of Persia.

Schemeelnihar heard this determination of the caliph with pleas-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 159

ure. She had been accustomed to his endearments from her in-
fancy ; she felt a filial affection for him, which she supposed was
love. The caliph though four times her age was pleasant and
agreeable. As she was debarred the sight of all men, except him
and his attendants, she thought him the most amiable of mankind.
If she reflected on her approaching nuptials without desire, it
was without disgust also. Matters were in this situation, when
business of emergency obliged the oaliph to leave the capital for
a short time.

The affairs of the harem were managed by an old slave named
Fatima. . It was a part of her duty to provide everything neces-
sary, in the city and the person she used to apply to for what
she wanted, was Ebn Thaher, a considerable merchant of great in-
tegrity. Fatima had attended on Schemselnihar from her infancy,
and was attached to her by the most tender affection. She used
often to speak of her to Ebn Thaher, with the fondness of a
mother : and had as often occasion to praise the obliging disposi-
tion of the merchant to Schemselnihar.

A few days after the departure of the caliph, a strange whim
seized the young lady. She had a desire to see the city ; and be-
Bought Fatima to take her with her the next time she went thither.
Fatima, little apprehending any bad consequence, fondly consent-
ed, and apprized the merchant, that on an appointed day, the ca-
liph's favorite would come in private to view the city and intended
to repose at his house.

Ebn Thaher received her with all possible respect, but it so hap-
pened that when she arrived there was, with the merchant, a young
nobleman, of the ancient royal family of Persia, named Aboul-
hassan Ali Ebn Becar. This prince had received from nature
every advantage of body and mind, nor had he neglected to culti-
vate them. Schemselnihar was struck with him at first sight; and
when he would have modestly withdrawn, she made signs to
Fatima that she should not let him depart. When a collation was
brought in, the ladies unveiled, and AbouLhassen in his turn, was
fascinated by the beauty of the princess. The intention of view-
ing the city was at an end. Schemselnihar, new to love, indulged
sensations so delightful, and thought only how she might make
herself agreeable to Aboulhassen : who, on his part, became en-
tirely enamored. They remained together till evening, and parted
with inexpressible reluctance on both sides.

160 ARABIAN NIGHTS

New ideas now took possession of Schemselnihar, among which
none so often arose as an abhorrence of marriage with the caliph.
She devoted herself to her beloved Aboulhassen ; and though she
saw no probability of being united to him, yet she determined to
encourage that hope. The indulgent Fatima reasoned Avith her
against so improper an attachment, but misled by her fondness for
the princess, she repeatedly permitted interviews between the two
lovers at the house of Ebn Thaher. The merchant, also, though
he pointed out to the prince the folly and danger of his pursuit,
was yet weak enough to promote the meetings of the young couple.

Tho caliph had put Schemselnihar in possession of the apart-
ments belonging to the royal consort, and had permitted her to
select her own attendants. The infatuated princess determined to
give Aboulhassen an entertainment worthy her love : and when
everything was ready, she sent Fatima to conduct him and the
merchant to partake of it. The faithful slave executed her dan-
gerous commission with dexterity, and contrived to introduce them
unnoticed within the apartments of the princess.

The reception was magnificent. A wonderful display of dia-
monds and rubies, fixed in burnished gold, and disposed in the most
beautiful forms, delighted the eye ; columns of the rarest marble
supported the dome; between them were placed vessels of agate,
porphyry, jet, jasper, crystal, and other precious materials : the
floor was covered with the richest carpeting, and the walks in the
gardens were formed of little stones of various colors, so as to
resemble the carpet in the saloon and seem a continuation of it ;
two beautiful canals watered the trees and shrubs, which were of
the rarest kind, and planted with great judgment : their odors
gratified the smell, as the charming concerts of the singing birds
did the ear ; in a word everything was to be found which luxury
or grandeur could possibly desire.

In this terrestrial paradise the love-sick Schemselnihar received
her equally enamored Aboulhassen, unmindful of her engagement
with the commander of the faithful, whom she now began to
think of with terror and abhorrence ; nor did the prince suffer the
fear of future evils, or of present danger, to damp the delight he
felt at being received with so much distinction by the object of
his vows. The entertainment was sumptuous beyond description,
and was followed by an admirable concert; after which Aboulhas-
een and Schemselnihar sung to each other by turns extempore

ENTERTAINMENTS. 161

verses, descriptive of their mutual affection, which they neither
wished to restrain nor conceal. They plighted vows of unceasing
constancy, and seemed, by seizing the present moment to snatch
those joys from the power of fortune before a fatal interruption
should put an end to them forever.

That event was even now come. Their caresses were disturbed
by a rfessage to Scheniselnihar, announcing the arrival of the
caliph, and his intention of presently visiting her. The distress
of the lovers could only be equalled by the despair of Ebn Thaher,
who gave himself up for lost. Fatima alone had recollection.
She ordered the slaves immediately to prepare for the reception
of the caliph; she tore the lovers asunder, and as it was impossi-
ble to convey the visitors away, at that time, without discovery,
she conducted them to a place where they might continue in
safety.

By the time the caliph arrived all was in order, and Schenisel-
nihar tolerably composed. Haroun embraced her with great af-
fection ; and seeing everything set out with the utmost splendor,
made no doubt but that she had decorated the palace in this man-
ner for his reception. Observing the saloon was shut, he asked
the reason, when Schemseliiihar made signs to have it thrown open.
Immediately the grandest illumination that can be conceived was
discovered. A spectacle, not more brilliant than unexpected,
which the caliph received as a proof of the princess' attachment
to him, but which she had prepared for a very different purpose.

From the time the saloon was thrown open, the prince of Persia
could see from his hiding place everything that passed in the
hall ; and had the torment of beholding his beloved Sehemselni-
har obliged to receive the caresses of his too powerful rival. Ebn
Thaher could with difficulty restrain his transports. At length a
concert commenced, in the course of which the princess addressed
a most passionate air to Aboulhassen, and sung it with so much
feeling, that she herself was overcome with it, and fainted away.
The caliph who still applied everything that passed to himself,
was exceedingly concerned, and busied himself very earnestly in
endeavoring to restore her. At this juncture Fatima went to dis-
miss the prince and his friend, but had the greatest difficulty in
effecting it. Aboulhassen had sympathized so truly with the
princess that he also had fainted ; and when Ebn Thaher, at last,
with the assistance of Fatima, got him safe out of the palace and

162 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

conveyed him home, he was obliged to be put to bed, whence IIQ
could not rise for several days.

This accident opened the eyes of Ebn Thaber. He saw at once
the consequences of this fatal intrigue ; and that if he could not
persuade the prince of Persia to drop all thoughts of carrying it
on, he had but one way to escape inevitable ruin. As soon as thu
prince was tolerably recovered, the merchant, in the most animated
manner pointed out to him the certain destruction he would bring
not only on himself, but on the lovely Schemselnihar, also, if he
did not subdue his ill-placed passion. Ebn Thaher reasoned,
but Aboulhassen loved. Deaf as the winds .to any advice that
made against his wishes, he declared that no danger, however
pressing, should make him for one moment cease to adore her. (<
know not yet," continued he, " what measures I can pursue to
rescue my princess from a situation so terrible to us both ; bu<'
something I will attempt ; and if I perish, I shall have the satis-
faction of giving up my life for one that well deserves such a
sacrifice."

Ebn Thaher was still more alarmed at this conversation. He
settled his affairs with all possible despatch ; and two days after
he took his family with him, and set off for Balsora, under pre-
tence of business which would oblige him to reside therefor some
time. The merchant, by this prudent measure, secured himself;
and, in fact, did all he could to save the lovers. As all intercourse
was now at an end, they would probably have submitted reluc-
tantly to their destiny if an accident had not enabled them to con-
tinue their correspondence.

Opposite Ebn Thaher's house there lived a jeweller who, having
little business to employ him, bestowed much of his attention on
his neighbors. Shrewd, artful, and avaricious, he sought to turn
everything to his own advantage, and having a pleaaant carriage,
which hid his vices, he was but too often successful.

This man had not been a careleless observer of what passed at
Ebn Thaher's. He noticed that Fatima and the prince of Persia met
continually there ; and that the former frequently brought another
woman with her, who, though closely veiled, had an air of distinc-
tion, and was manifestly much younger. The illness of the prince,
the distress of the merchant, he had not failed to remark. Being
a little acquainted with Ebn Thaher, he ventured to question him
on these subjects; and though the merchant was careful, and almost

ENTERTVINMENTS, 158

silent, yet his confusion and the little he did say, afforded BOLIS in-
formation to his busy neighbor. Ebn Thaher, leaving Bagdad
abruptly, confirmed this sagacious fellow in his opinion, that the
prince had dared to intrigue in the harem of the caliph ; and that
the amour was carried on by Fatima and the merchant.

In the meantime, the situation of the lovers was truly pitiable.
Aboulhassen, tormented by a contrariety of passions, was too ill
to leave his house; and the princess had no other consolation,
under a severe indisposition, but that it prevented the caliph from
urging a completion of their nuptials. At length impatience to
hear from her lover made her send Fatima to Ebn Thaher's to in-
quire after him. The trusty slave was exceedingly shocked to
find the house shut up ; and was at a loss which way to act,
when she saw the jeweller make signs for her to enter his house.
He told her that Ebn Thaher had left Bagdad in haste, and that
the prince of Persia was ill. Then, by making the most of what
he did know, and affecting to know more than he did, he easily
obtained from the affrighted and simple Fatima all the particulars
of the affair.

The sordid jeweller debated with himself whether he should not
disclose the business to the caliph; but after a little pause, recol-
lecting that the prince of Persia was very rich, and that Schemsel-
nihar could command unlimited treasure, he was not long at a loss
which side to choose. He concluded the lovers would pay more
liberally for his assistance in carrying on their amour than the
caliph would for a disagreeable piece of intelligence. He declared
himself, therefore, ready to supply the place of Ebn Thaher : and
with equal zeal, but more courage, to promote the wishes of the
lovers.

Fatima resolved to venture, for once, to go to the house of the
prince of Persia, directing the jeweller to follow her thither.
Aboulhassen was rejoiced to see the faithful slave, but his joy was
of short duration. He was distressed beyond measure for the
illness of his mistress ; and when he was acquainted with the de-
sertion of Ebn Thaber, he was overwhelmed with affliction.
Fatima gave him every consolation in her power ; and when he
had listened to her awhile, she concluded with relating to him the
offer of the jeweller.

Despair compelled him to embrace this hazardous assistance,
The jeweller was introduced to him, and vowed fidelity. Fatima,

164 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

having settled in what manner he was to meet her, and convey loi-
ters or messages between the lovers, took her leave of the prince
and returned to the palace.

For some time, by means of the zeal and activity of the new
emissary, a regular correspondence took place between Aboulhas-
sen and the princess. The avarice of the jeweller was gratified
beyond his hopes; he scrupled, therefore, no danger to oblige his
benefactors. Matters could not remain long in this undecided situa-
tion. Schemselnihar daily grew better; and the caliph who had
been much afflicted at her illness, began to congratulate her on her
recovery. The preparations for the royal marriage were no longer
suspended; and to prevent its taking place the lovers resolved on
elop ement.

The jeweller was directed to take a house in an obscure part of
the town, without the gates, where they proposed to continue till
the fury of the search was over ; as he had great reason to fear he
should be suspected, when the prince and princess absconded, he
determined to accompany his patrons in their flight. His wealth
by this time was considerable ; and he could not bear to leave it
to the care of others ; he packed it up, therefore, in small bundles,
and removed it from his own habitation to the house he had taken
for the prince.

On the evening of their intended escape, as soon as it was dark,
Schemseliiihar and her favorite contrived, with great difficulty, to
elude the eunuchs and leave the palace. Aboulhassen and the
jeweller were ready to receive them, and convey them to the house,
prepared by the latter, where they arrived unobserved. But they
had scarce time to congratulate each other, when the building
(which stood apart from any other) was surrounded by a body of
men, who broke open the doors ; and having plundered the house
of everything valuable (among which was the whole of the jeweller's
treasure) they seized the whole company and conveyed them over
the river into an adjoining forest.

These men were a banditti who harbored there : and had by
some means obtained a knowledge that the jeweller had conveyed
much wealth into a house which stood alone and convenient for
their purpose. On their arrival at their retreat, they examined
their prisoners separately ; from the prince, from Schemselnihar.
and Fatima, they obtained no information; but the dastardly
jeweller confessed immediately who they were. The event was

ENTERTAINMENTS. 165

not unfavorable. The captain of the banditti had been a slave of
Aboulhassen's father; as soon as he heard that one of his prisoners
was the prince of Persia, he set them all at liberty, and ordered hia
comrades tb convey them back again, promising also to restore the
plunder as soon as it could be collected together.

The banditti conducted them to the Tigris, and landed them on
the side next the city. But as they were about to return to the
jeweller's house, they fell in with a brigade of the city guard, who
examined them with great strictness, and were by no means satis-
fied with their vague manner -of answering. They were about to
take them into custody, when Schemselnihar, seeing there was no
way to escape, resolved to throw herself on the humanity of the
commander. She drew him aside and declared who she was. The
officer behaved to her with the greatest respect ; he ordered a boat
to convey her and her slave to the water gate of the palace, and
dismissed Aboulhassen and the jeweller civilly ; though he would
not suffer either of them to speak again to the princess or her
attendant.

The prince of Persia returned to his own house, overcome with
fatigue, grief, and despair. He refused to listen to the consola-
tions offered him by his companion. His imagination saw every-
thing in the most fearful and tormenting light. His heart boded
only calamity, and the prognostication was too fully verified.

The day following, Fatima came to the jeweller in great haste,
and drowned in tears. " I have once more," said she, " left the
palace. My business is to warn you and the prince of Persia of
your danger. The whole intrigue is just discovered to the caliph
by a perfidious slave whom Schemselnihar hath lately punished.
Judge what a situation we are all in ! for my part I am determined
to return immediately, and share the fate of my beloved mistress;
we may possibly escape ; but for you and Aboulhassen there is no
hope. Fly, therefore, this instant, and save yourselves from torturo
and from death."

The jeweller was too much alarmed io neglect a moment this
important advice. He hastened to the prince of Persia, and, not-
withstanding his indisposition, prevailed with him to rise and leave
Bagdad with the utmost speed. They secured a supply of money
and jewels, and set off for Anbar, travelling two days without
stopping; but just before they could reach a place of safety, they
were surrounded by thieves, who plundered them of everything.

166 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

They arrived at Aubar the next evening, and the jeweller re-
joiced that they were out of the power of the caliph; but the
prince, whose spirits had been kept up only on the present danger,
sunk under the pressure of so many calamities, He languished
two days in the house of a charitable Mussulman, who had taken
pity of their distress, and then died expressing in his last mo-
ments his undiminished love for the beauteous Schomseluihar.

The jeweller now found himself in a very distressed situation.
Deprived of the grea-t riches he had obtained by his intrigues ; his
patron dead; his hopes annihilated; an exile from his country, his
avaricious spirit still remained; and he determined to hazard new
dangers, in hopes of recovering what he had lost. He knew the
banditti had engaged to restore what they had taken from his
house ; and he was not without hope that it might have been de-
livered to his family. The prince of Persia had a mothei-, who
inherited his vast wealth, and he was willing to believe that she
would reward his attachment to her son. On these considerations,
he revealed to his host the rank of the deceased, and engaged him
to deposit the body for a short time in a neighboring mosque ; arid,
after staying a few months at Anbar, he ventured to return to
Bagdad.

As he entered the city in the evening, he saw a woman in deep
mourning, whose form reminded him of Fatima. He followed her
some time, till she entered a stately mausoleum, lately built. Per-
ceiving no one near, he called to her, on which she turned round,
and he saw it was the favorite of Schemselnihar. She knew him
also immediately, and made signs for him to enter the building
quickly, when she related to him the fate of her mistress.

" When the treacherous slave," said she, " discovered to the
caliph what had passed between Aboulhassen and Schemseliiibar,
the commander of the faithful ordered her to appear before him.
ft was at that time, when terrified for the fate of her beloved
prince more than for her own, she sent me to you to apprize you
of the danger. You will suppose the caliph indulged the highest
transports of rage and jealousy, but he did quite the contrary.
He received her with tenderness ; made her sit down by him, and
then gently questioned her respecting the prince of Persia. S<-hem-
eelnihar had neither spirits nor inclination to conceal the truth ;
on which the caliph said, 'I alone am to blame in this affair; I
ought to have considered that, in marriage, age and youth agree

KNTKKTAIX.MKXrS. 167

but ill together. I love you, Schemselnihar,' continued the gener-
ous prince, 4 and ever. shall ; but in future it shall bo like the love
of a father, not a husband. I will myself give you to Aboulhas-
een ; send him word of the good fortune that awaits him. 7

" The princess, who had been so long torn with contending pas-
sions, and spent with the fatigue of her late unfortunate excursion,
and who at this moment expected a very different sentence, could
not support the conflict in her bosom. She sunk into the arms of
the caliph and expired.

"The commander of the faithful was much afflicted at her death.
He caused her body to be deposited in this noble tomb, with great
ceremony, and has honored me with the charge of it. allowing me
a handsome pension for my support. I ought also to tell you that
he commanded Ebn Thaher to return to Bagdad, and hath ap
proved of his conduct in this delicate business."

Fatima, having finished her narrative, was informed by the jewel-
ler of the death of Aboulhassen ; and they joined to pay the tribute
of tears to the memory of these unfortunate lovers. In the morn-
ing Fatima waited on the caliph, and obtained his permission to
inter the body of the prince of Persia in the same tomb with his
beloved mistress. The mercenary jeweller was the only victim of
the caliph's displeasure, who was so displeased with his conduct,
hat he confiscated the remainder of his effects, and banished him
from his dominions.

THE HISTORY OF CAMARALZAMAN, PRINCE OF KHALEDAN,
AND BADOURA, PRINCESS OF CHINA.

Schahzaman, king of Khaledan, used the liberty the laws of Mo-
hammed allow to all good Mussulmans. He had four wives and
bixty concubines. The most beautiful women in the east were to
be found in his harem ; notwithstanding which, he continued child-
less, and lost all relish for the grandeur and pleasures of a crown,
for want of an heir to succeed him in wearing it.

At length, when all hope of such a blessing was nearly over,
and the king began to find old age approaching, one of his wives
became pregnant, and in due time brought him a son, so beautiful,
that he was named Camaralzaman, or the moon of the age.

As the prince grew up, he displayed great talents, and by the
king's command, was early permitted to take his seat in council,
where he conducted himself so ably as to engage the esteem of fill

168 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the emire, and give great pleasure to his royal father. That prince
began now to entertain a hope of seeing his descendants in the
next degree; for which purpose, as soon as his son became of a
suitable age, he much pressed him to marry.

Carnaralzaman had about him something more than indifference
for women he heard, therefore, this desire of his father with great
concern. He put it off at first by pleading youth, and desiring
time. After waiting a whole year, Schahzaman, finding no dis-
position in his son to obey him, desired the mother of the prince to
reason with him on the subject. Camaralzaman had ever behaved
with the utmost duty and affection to her, and the king hoped much
from her influence over him to procure a willing obedience to his
commands.

The royal mother undertook the affair with great zeal. She rea-
soned the matter over with the prince many times, and in various
modes. She urged his duty to his father, to his future subjects,
and to posterity ; she described the happiness of conjugal amity,
the delights of paternal love. The prince heard her with an indif-
ference bordering on impatience, and continued firm in his resolu-
tion to remain unmarried.

Another year glided away, and Schahzaman found his son still
averse to his wishes. He determined, therefore, to make the young
man pay that obedience to the king which he withheld from the
father. Without the least previous notice, he took the opportunity
of a general meeting of the emirs, officers of the army, and other
great men, and publicly, before them all, laid his commands on the
prince to choose his wife, declaring it was not safe to the state that
he should live single any longer. Every one present concurred
with the king in his opinion. Camaralzaman, surprised and en-
raged, forgot all duty, gave way to his natural impetuosity, and
replied to his father with so much heat and acrimony, that the king
found himself at once disobeyed and affronted ; in full council he
ordered his son, therefore, to be immediately taken away to prison.

In the tower where the prince was confined, there was a well,
which was the retreat of a fairy named Maimoune. At midnight,
when she came forth to wander about the world, after her wonted
custom, she saw a light in Camaralzaman's chamber ; she entered
it, and the prince being fast asleep, she admired the beauty of his
person for some time, after which she took her flight into the mid-
dle region of the air.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 169

Maimoune soon after met a genie, named Danhasch; be was one
of those genii who rebelled against Cod. The great Solomon had
obliged Maimoune to conform.

The genie would gladly have avoided her, as be was sensible bow
much power she bad over him, by her submission to the Almighty*
but as they were unawares very near, he approached her in the
manner of a supplicant, saying, " Brave Maimoune, swear to me in
the name of the great Power that thou wilt not hurt me, and I will
also swear, on my. part, that I will not do thee any harm."

11 Cursed genie," replied the fairy, ' what hurt canst thou do me ?
I fear thee not. But as thou hast desired this favor of me, I will
swear not to hurt thee. Tell me, then, wandering spirit, whence
comest thou, w r hat hast thou seen, and what mischief hast thou
done this night ?"

" You meet me in time to bear something that is wonderful,"
said Danhasch, who trembled at the sight of the fairy ; ' but,
charming Maimoune, promise me that you will let me go on in my
way when I have satisfied your demands."

' ; Go on, go on, cursed spirit," replied the fairy, " fear nothing ;
lost thou think I am as perfidious an elf as thyself, to break a sol-
3mn oath ? But be sure you tell me nothing but the truth, or I
shall certainly clip your wings."

Danhasch proceeded to acquaint the fairy that he had just come
? rom China, the king of which country had an only daughter, whose
Beauty the genie spoke of in the most ardent terms. He added a
;tory of her, the very counterpart of that of Camaralzaman, " that
ler father was exceedingly desirous she should marry : that she
lad constantly rejected every suitor ; and that at last the king of
Dhina. enraged at her obstinacy, had shut her up in prison, though
loatingly fond of her." He concluded by repeating the most lav-
sh applause of her beauty, which he said excelled any of the race
)f mortals.

Instead of answering the genie, Maimoune burst into a violent
it of laughter. " I have just left," said sbe ; " a prince, in circum-
;tanccs nearly the same, but in beauty, I have no doubt, much su
)erior to your princess.'' " 'Tis impossible." replied Danhasch,
' Peace, false spirit," replied the fairy ; " you only wish to send
ae a long way on a fruitless errand. I am convinced no mortal
an excel the charming youth I have just left."

Dauhasch was piqued at this. '' If you will permit me, agree.
8

170 ARABIAN NIGHT*

able Maiinoune," said be, "1 will immediately convey raj princess
to the chamber your prince is in ; we may then coLjpare them at
our leisure, and decide our dispute. ' ; ' Agreed, 7 ' replied the fairy,
" provided you swear to return the lady safe to the place you bring
her from." The genie swore to do this; and Maimoune having
told him where Camaralzaman slept, went thither and waited his
arrival with the princess.

Panhasch was not long in performing this business: he intro-
duced the princess, still asleep, and laid her by the side of Camaral-
zaman. The fairy and the genie then compared them together, and
each claimed the victory. Maimoune, vexed at the contest ; stamped
her foot on the floor, which opened, and there appeared a hideous
genie, with six horns on his head, and claws on his hands and feet.
11 Cascheasch," said Maimoune, "I called you here to determine
between me and that vile genie ; which is the most handsome of
these two mortals ? View them well, and determine impartially."

Cascheasch surveyed them both with great attention and admira-
tion. After awhile he said to the fairy, ll It is impossible to de-
termine your dispute, unless you cause them to awake in turn. I
shall then be able, by observing their vivacity and graceful car-
riage, to decide your contest.''

Maimoune consented, and, changing herself into a flea, she
stung the prince so sharply in the neck, that he awoke. She then
resumed her own form, and joined the genie, continuing, as they
were, invisible.

When Caramalzaman opened his eyes, he -was astonished to find
by him a lady of such exquisite loveliness. He raised himself on
his elbow, and gazed upon her with the most perfect admiration.
Her blooming youth, her incomparable beauty, seized his heart in
a moment; and he felt at once the full power of love, which he
had before so rigorously resisted.

He saluted her with the utmost fervor, and earnestly endeavored
to awaken her. At length, finding she continued in a deep sleep
and 1 that an unusual drowsiness came over himself, he took a ring
from her finger, and put one of his ow r n in its place. He ha(
scarcely done this, when a profound sleep overcame him.

The enchantments of the fairy produced this sleep in the princ
and in Badoura (which was the name of the princess). Danhascl
now became a flea, and stung Badoura so severely on the lip. tha
she presently awoke. She was amnzpd. in her turn, to find a youn (

ENTEKTAIXMKXTS. 171

man lying by her ; and observing how handsome he was, her won-
der became admiration. " Is it you," said she, <k that the king, my
father, has destined for my husband ? Ah ! if he had introduced
you to me, I should never have incensed him by an obstinate re-
fusal.' 7 The princess had too much modesty to awaken her sup-
posed husband, but she gazed at him with much pleasure. At
length she perceived he had exchanged rings with her. She doubted
not but this was a token of their marriage, though she could not rec-
ollect the particulars of it. While she thought on these matters,
her senses were at once locked up in sleep. Maimoune, without
waiting for the decision of Caschearch, triumphed over Danhasch
on the superior beauty of the prince. She then commanded the
genii to convey the princess back again to her bed. They obeyed;
and morning being near, the fairy retired to her well.

When the prince awoke, he looked about for the lady who.se
charms had taken possession of his heart. Finding she was not
with him, he arose, and having washed and said his prayers, he sat
down to meditate on what had jassed. He concluded that the lady
was conveyed to his bed by command of the king: he, doubting
not, therefore, but that she was intended for his bride. He inquired
of his slave who she was, and who had brought her to his cham-
ber ? To these questions the slave replied, by positively denying
that any lady was introduced into his apartment " How," said the
prince, " do you dare to tell me there was no lady with me ?" " I
am sure," replied the slave bluntly, " it is impossible, unless she
passed through the walls, for I lay at the door."

Camaralzaman was incensed at this presumption of his slave, and
caned him severely. The slave fled from him and ran to the vizier,
declaring that his master was mad ; relating, as a proof, how he
had punished him, and for what cause. The vizier, alarmed at this
account, hastened to the prince, whom he found reading with great
composure. On his entrance, Camaralzaman laid aside his book,
and conversed so rationally, that the minister became enraged with
the slave for giving him so causeless an alarm ; and was meditating
punishment for him. when the prince, with much earnestness, in-
quired who the lady was who had been conveyed to his bed the pre
ceding night.

The minister was thunderstruck at this demand. He hesitatingly
endeavored to evade the question, which the prince observing, re-
peated in a stern and angry manner. Thus pushed, the viziei

172 ARALIAN NIGHTS'

declared he knew of no lady who had been admitted to him ; he
even argued the impossibility of such a circumstance having hap-
pened' and concluded, with persuading the prince it must have
been a dream, which had taken such full possession of his imagin-
ation.

Camaralzaman became frantic with anger at this declaration
He was satisfied in his own mind that a trick had been played
him ; he doubted not but the vizier was the contriver of ii.
With these ideas, respect for neither the age nor office of the minis-
ter had any weight with the enraged prince ; he caned him with
as much severity as he had his own slave. The vizier, in his turn,
was glad to escape, and going to Schah/aman, he related to him
the situation of the prince.

The king, though angry with the young man, had still the ten-
derest affection for him; he received, therefore, his vizier's account'
with great concern, lie immediately paid his son a visit, who re-
ceived him very dutifully, pressing him earnestly to introduce the
lady to him. " Whatever aversion, sir," said ho, "I formerly had
to woman, this young lady has charmed me to such a degree, that
I am ready to receive her as the best gift you can bestow on me."

The king was much afflicted at this conversation. He assured
him, in the most solemn manner, that no lady had been introduced
to him, by his order : nor was it probable any one could have been
there at all. He therefore conjured him to think rightly of the
matter, and believe it to be, as it certainly was, a dream, and
nothing else.

Camaralzaman heard his lather with the most respectful at-
tention ; when he had finished his discourse, the prince held out his
hand and said, " You know, sir, the ring I usually wore, which was
your majesty's paternal gift. You see I have it not ; but on my
finger is a woman's ring, which I took from the lovely creature I
found by my side, and gave her mine in the room of it; could this
be a dream ?"

The sight of the ring convinced Schahzaman. " Alas ! my son,"
said he, " how should I rejoice if I could set before you the lady I
have now no doubt you have seen. Some superior power has
brought her to you, and you must wait with patience till she is
restored to you again. Come now with me, and resume your place
in my council. I pardon your past obstinacy, and will no more
urge you to marry."

ENTEKTA IXMEN Tjj. 17 3

The consequences of this interference of the genii, was still more
serious in China. When the princess awoke in the morning, she
inquired of her attendants who the young man was who had been
admitted into her apartments ; she persisted in this demand, though
they all declared no such circumstance could possibly have taken
place; and as she obstinately maintained the truth of her assertion,
and avowed herself ready to receive him as her husband, although
she had ever before been so averse to marriage, the king, her
father, concluded her intellects were deranged. He ordered her to
be more closely confined and issued a proclamation, stating her
case, and offering her hand in marriage to any one who was able to
cure her.

The hope of obtaining so beautiful a princess, and with her the
succession to a powerful kingdom, caused a great number of
learned men to offer their services. The king, to check this multi-
plicity of applications, thought fit to add another condition to the
undertaking, which was, that whoever attempted the cure and failed
in completing it, should forfeit his head. Much the greater part of
those who had applied seceded from so dangerous an experiment,
yet there remained many who, depending on their skill, or misled
by their vanity, resolved to attempt it.

These drew lots to decide who should first be admitted to the
princess. The chance fell to an emir of the court, whose skill in
physic and the occult sciences was unquestionable. The king him-
self condescended to introduce him. As soon as the princess saw
them enter her apartment, she dropped her veil, and complained to
her father that he had brought with him a strange man, when her
religion forbade her to be seen by such a one. The king apolo-
gized : and told her it was one of the emirs who had demanded her
in marriage. tl It is not, I see," replied the princess, li him to whom
you have already given me ; and your majesty may be assured I
will never marry any other.-'

The emir, who expected the princess would have broken out into
some frantic excess, was confounded when he heard her talk so ra-
tionally, and still more when he fonnd her disorder arose from a
disappointment in love. He threw himself at the king's feet and
said, " You, sir, must be the physician in this case, by giving the
princess to the man she honors with her affection. The application
of art or science can avail nothing toward curing a disorder which
arises from that passion which subdues all things."

174 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The emir was led out; and the king enraged at his presumption
and at his own disappointment, caused his head to be struck off, and
fixed upon a pole at the principal gate of the city. The severity
of this example did uot deter others. Many were led by the great-
ness of the prize to attempt restoring the princess, and, in a short
time, more than fifty heads were placed by that of the emir.

The princess of China's nurse had a son whose name was Marza-
van. He had been foster-brother to the princess they were bred
up together, and had a great affection for each other. When Mar-
y.avau became a young man, having a studious turn, he applied him-
self with success to judicial astrology, geomacy, and other secret arts.
And to complete his education he travelled for some years, visit-
ing men of knowledge, and improving himself by their com-
munications.

Marzavan was surprised on his return home to see so many heads
at the entrance of the city. After he had received and returned
the caresses of his mother, he inquired of her the cause of that
melancholy spectacle. The good old lady told him the story of
those unfortunate men, which of course led her to relate that of
the princess, whose unhappy situation she described very feelingly.

Marzavan had great affection for Badoura ; he was not without
ambition ; and had the greatest reason to rely upon his own tal-
ents. He began to hope the cure of the princess was reserved for
him, and resolved to offer himself for the dangerous office. He
communicated his intention to his mother, who was exceedingly
alarmed at it. She besought him, with many tears, not to expose
himself to certain death ; and enumerated the many people of.
abilities who had fallen a sacrifice to their own indiscretion in risk-
ing the fatal experiment.

Finding he was not to be overruled, she insisted he should delay
his intention till the next day. Marzavan consented. She return-
ed immediately into the palace, and told the princess that her sou
had just returned from his travels, and longed exceedingly to
have the honor of approaching her. Badoura retained a high
regard for her foster-brother. She readily consented to see him ;
but. as it was necessary to keep so irregular a visit secret, it was
resolved to dress him in woman's clothes and introduce him at
midnight.

Marzavan had now an opportunity of trying his abilities in
safety. lie prepared fumigations, and took with him propor

ENTERTAINMENTS . 175

books, to dispossess the evil spirit that he supposed had seized the
princess. Badoura received him with the greatest joy and sisterly
affection. After the first compliments, Marzavan began what he
thought a proper process, which the princess perceiving, cried out,
"What, my brother ! do you also beli> ve that I am mad ? Unde-
ceive yourself, and hearken to what I shall relate to you."

Badoura repeated her story to her foster-brother, and showed
him the ring she had received in exchange for her own. Marza-
van was filled with astonishment; he entreated the princess would
support her spirits, while he went in search of the object of her
affections. Badoura was pleased with his zeal, though she had
little hope of any good effect from it ; and when he took his leave,
dismissed him w r ith great kindness.

Though Marzavan ; s chimerical hopes were frustrated, he re-
joiced that he had made his experiment so cheaply. He was
still actuated by a fraternal regard for the princess : under that
influence he set out and travelled from province to province in
search of her unknown lover. For many days he heard in every
place the discourse of the people respecting the princess Badoura
and her indisposition. The further he went from the capital of
China the less this was talked, till at length he heard no more of
it. He travelled on many days, and at last he heard people talk
of prince Camaralzaman, who, they said, was very ill. He pur-
sued the story, which, as he proceeded onward, he heard more
distinctly. The exact resemblance there was between the story of
this prince and that of Badoura, left him no doubt he w T as the ob-
ject of his inquiry.

Marzavau arrived, at length, at the capital of Khaledan, and
introduced himself to the grand vizier as a skilful physician. The
vizier, finding from his conversation that he w r as a man of
ability, related to him the story of Camaralzaman, and ended with
telling him that a fixed melancholy had taken possession of the
prince ever since, by which his health was much affected. He
entreated Marzavan to pay the young man a visit, and try il it
wss in the power of his skill to afford him assistance.

Marzavan eagerly embraced the proposal, and being introduced to
the prince, found him lying on the bed, his eyes closed, and entirely
careless even of his father's attention, w r ho devoted every moment
he could spare from public business to the consolation of his sou.
M'.r/.avan was struck with the resemblance between the lovers,

J76 ARABIAN NIGHTS*

and involuntarily exclaimed, " Heavens ! what a likeness ! ;; This
expression engaged the notice of the prince, who raised himself
up, and surveyed the stranger with groat attention. Marzavan
paid his compliments to the prince in extempore verse, in which
he glanced at his adventure in such delicate hints, that though
Camaralzaman readily understood he could give him information
of the lady, neither the king nor his minister observed anything
more than a handsome compliment.

At the desire of Camaralzaman he conversed with the stranger
alone. Marzamau declined to relate to the prince, in his present
weak state, all the particulars he was acquainted with. He only
told him, generally, that he knew the lady lor whom his highness
languished that she retained the same affection for him and
promised that, when his health was restored, he would give him
every information he could desire. From this time Camaralzaman
entirely lost his melancholy ; he mended daily. The king loaded
Marzavan with honors and rewards, and ordered public rejoicings
all over the kingdom for his son's recovery.

The prince failed not to claim from Marzavan the intelligence
he had promised. He readily informed him of the present situa-
tion of Badoura, and called upon him, by every tie of love and
honor, to hasten to relieve a princess who had suffered so much for
him.

The prince of Khaledan was too sincerely attached to his be-
loved unknown to need solicitation on this occasion. But as he
was sensible the king would never permit him to undertake so
long a journey, he thought some management was necessary. Ac-
cordingly, when his health was quite re-established, he expressed
a desire to hunt in a large forest near the confines of the kingdom.
Having obtained Schahzaman's consent, and continued the sport
for a week, the prince withdrew from his train one night accom-
panied only by Marzavan and a groom. Before morning they had
got beyond his fathers's territories ; when he sent the servant
back with an account where he was gone, and on what occasion.
They then set off for the capital of China, where, after travelling
near twelve months, they arrived in perfect safety.

When they reached the city they found the mother of Marza-
van was dead; all access, therefore, to the princess was cut off,
except by public application to cure her. It now had been a long
time since any one had been hardy enough to attempt so despo-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 1 < 7

rate an undertaking ; and the people were astonished when Cama-
ralzaman, in the habit of an astrologer, appeared before the gate
of the palace, and demanded admission to cure the princess, under
the usual penalty. The bystanders conjured him to forego so rash
an attempt; but he continued resolute, and repeating his demand
in so firm and manly a manner, as made the people pity and
tremble for him. On his being introduced to the king of China,
his graceful appearance, noble aspect, and blooming youth, af-
fected that prince; and as he had long considered the case of his
daughter as desperate, he could not, without concern, see so fine a
young man devote himself to destruction. II is majesty conde-
scended to expostulate with the supposed astrologer : " You have/'
said the king, " scarcely obtained sufficient experience to be equal
to an undertaking which has oaffled abilities of many very learned
men. Let me then advise you to desist, since, if you attempt and
fail, nothing on earth can save your life."

Camaralzaman answered the king with modesty and gratitude,
and, at the same time, expressed so much confidence of success,
that his majesty sent immediately for the chief eunuch, and or-
dered him to conduct the stranger to the princess. As they pars-
ed through a long gallery the prince, through impatience, walked
before the old slave, who was obliged to hasten to overtake him.
" You are in a strange hurry ," said the eunuch, " to get to an apart-
ment from whence, I fear, you will think you return too soon, I
have attended many on this errand, and always found before, that
they approached with apprehension." " That," replied the prince,
' was a proof of their inability. But, good eunuch, to convince
you that I am no vain boaster, supply me only with pen, ink, and
paper, and I will undertake to cure the princess without being
introduced to her."

The amazed eunuch did so, and Camaralzaman wrote a tender
billet to the princess, and enclosed in it the ring he had taken from
her finger. Badoura received the note from the eunuch with great
indifference when he told her it came from an astrologer who had
undertaken to cure her ; but the instant she saw her own ring,
she had scarce patience to read it ; she demanded to be led imme-
diately to the person wl o wrote it. The eunuch accordingly con-
ducted her to the room where he had left the prince, who had
thrown aside the astrologer's habit, and waited to receive her with
the most anxious impatience. They knew each other the instant

8*

178 AK A BI AN NIGHTS'

they met Camarakaman flew to the arms of the princes j and
the maimer hi which she received him, convinced her attendants
that her cure was perfected.

The eunuch hastened to the king with the welcome tidings.
That monarch could scarcely credit his report. He went directly
to his daughter's apartments, and embraced her ; after which he
presented her hand to Camaralzanian, and gave orders for the
marriage to be immediately solemnized.

The king of China was highly pleased when he found his new
son-in-law was a prince. He heard from him, with fresh wonder,
the manner in which he became contracted to the princess, having
ever considered Badoura's account of it as a proof of her disorder.
The rejoicings 011 the recovery and marriage of the princess were
universal.

For a whole year Camaralzaman gave himself up to the delights
of his new situation. In the midst of these enjoyments he dreamt
one night, that he saw Schahzaman, his father, on his death-bed;
and heard him say to his attendants, " My son, whom I so ten
derly loved; my son, whom I bred with so much affection, sc
inuch care, hath abandoned me ; and is himself, by that means, the
cause of my death.-' 7 He awoke in great distress.

In the morning he related his dream to the princess Badoura,
aad they agreed to request the king of China that he would permit
them to take a journey to see Schahzaman. Though the request
* T as too reasonable to be refused, yet the king of China parted
from them reluctantly; and on condition that they should stay no
longer than a year in Schahzaman's court, and then return to him
a^iia.

They set out with a small retinue, after having taken a tender
farewell of the king of China ; and travelled for a month, making
easy journeys through a delightful country. One day the weather
being very hot, Camaralzaman ordered the tents to be pitched,
during the heat of the day, in a grove of tall trees. The princess
being weary, retired to her tent, and bade her women to untie her
girdle, which they laid down by her, and she falling asleep, her
attendants left her.

The prince, when everything was properly disposed of, came to
the tent where the princess was asleep. As he entered, he ob-
served her girdle, which he took up and examined : in the middle
of it he found a little purse which contained a cornelian, tied by a

KNTE RTA I XMENTS. 170

red ribbon, and engraven in unknown figures and characters ; by a
paper annexed to it, he learned that it was a talisman, on which
there was a scheme of Badoura's nativity, drawn from the constel-
lations; and that it was lately given to her by the queen of China,
as a charm that would preserve her from ill fortune as long as
she had it about her. The tent being too dark to observe the en-
gravings distinctly, the prince took it to the door; where, while he
was looking at it, a bird darted from the air, and snatched it from
him.

Camaralzaman was exceedingly grieved when he saw the bird
fly away with the talisman. He blamed severely his idle curiosity,
by which he had lost a treasure so valued by the princess. The
bird having got her prize, pitched upon the ground not far off, Avith
the talisman in her mouth; the prince drew near, in hopes she
would drop it ; but as he approached, she took wing and pitched
again farther off. Camaralzaman followed her. and the bird hav-
ing swallowed the talisman, took a small flight faither still. The
prince hoped to kill her with a stone ; and as she flew but a little
way at a cime, he became more and more eager in pursuing her.
Thus the bird led him from hill to valley, and from valley to hill
all day; and instead of perching at night on a bush, where he
might probably have taken her, she roosted on a high tree, safe
from his pursuit. The prince, grieved at the misfortunes of the
day, would have returned to his camp, but alas ! he thought of it
too late. Whither shall he go? which way return ? how will he
be able to trace back his steps over mountains and valleys never
trod before? Darkness and fatigue alike prevented him. Besides,
how durst he appear before his princess without her talisman 2
Overwhelmed with these distressing thoughts, he sat down at the
foot of a tree, and sleep gave him a short respite from his affliction.

lie awoke the next morning before the bird had left the tree ;
and, as soon as he saw her on the wing, followed her. He con-
tinued to do so the whole dav, with no better success than he had
had the day before, eating nothing but herbs and fruits, which he
picked as he walked. For ten days he pursued the mischievous
bird, sleeping every night under the tree where she roosted. Oo
the eleventh day, he drew near to a great city, and the bird flying
over the walls, he saw her no more.

Camaralzaman entered the city, overcome with grief and despair.
lie \vanden-d about for some timc ; and, at last, camo to the side

180 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

of a river. He proceeded on the banks of it, till he saw a gate
open, which he entered, and found a gardener at W)rk, who after
looking at him a little while, called out for him to come forward,
and shut the door. The prince did as he was directed, and going
up to the gardener, asked him the reason of his being so cautious.
<% Because," replied the old man, " I judge you are a stranger, and
I perceive, by your dress, that you, as well as myself, are a Mussul-
man. This city is inhabited by idolaters, who have a mortal
hatred to true believers. It is wonderful how you have escaped
ill usage, as you must have come through a considerable part of
the city. But you seem weary ; come into my house ; I will give
you the best refreshments in my power; and you shall then tell
me if I can do you more material service."

The prince thankfully accepted the friendly offer he stood so
much in need of. The benevolent gardener conducted him into his
little hut, clean though small, and well defended from the weather.
He set before him his provisions, a,nd entertained him with so
much heartiness, that the prince was quite charmed; and at the
request of his host readily told him who he was, and by what acci-
dent he came there. He concluded with saying, " Having been
eleven days separated from my dear princess, I have no chance of
meeting with her again on her journey ; my only hope is, that she
will proceed to my father's territories ; and I must beg of you to in-
form me in what manner I can best convey myself thither to meet
her."

The gardener told him it would be impossible for him to return
home by land, as his way lay through so many barbarous nations.
" There is/' continued he, " a ship sails from this port once a year
to the Isle of Ebene; whence you may easily convey yourself to
Khaledan, but that ship sailed only a few days ago ; it will of
course be near a year before you will have that opportunity. In
the meantime, I would advise you to remain with me : here you
will enjoy perfect safety, and in due time you will join your
princess, in your own country, with little risk or inconvenience. 7 '

Camaralzaman, on consideration, embraced the gardener's friendly
offer. He passed the days in laboring in the garden, that ho
might be as little burdensome as possible to his host ; and the
nights in chinking of his dear Badoura, and lamenting their un-
fortunate separation.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 181

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS BADOURA. AFTER HER SEPARATION
FROM PRINCE CAMARALZAMAN.

The princess slept a long while : and when she awoke, she missed
tho talisman from her girdle. She inquired for the prince, not
doubting but that he had taken it up. and expected his return with
much impatience.

When the day closed, and the succeeding night had passed away,
and Camaralzaman continued absent, the alarm and affliction
of Badoura became very great ; but she had too much good sense
to indulge an unavailing sorrow, especially at a time when spirit
and resolution were so necessary for her safety. None of the
party, except her own women, knew of the prince's absence. Ba-
doura, when she saw he did not return on the third day, dressed
herself in a suit of his clothes, and going among the body of the
attendants, ordered them to strike the tents and pursue their route.
The great likeness between her and Camaralzaman. made her
easily pass for him. She ordered one of her women to take her
seat in the caravan, while she mounted on horseback and rode by
the side of it; thus they travelled for several months, tDl they
arrived at the capital of Ebene ; when Armanos, king of that
island, invited the supposed son of his ally, Schahzaman, to repose
awhile in his court, before he proceeded to Khaledan.

The princess Badoura accepted the invitation, and was received
by Armanos with much hospitality. The king was greatly pleased
with the supposed Camaralzaman. He contrived every means of
amusing him to prevent his departure ; and at length frankly offered
to give him his only daughter, Haiatalnefous, to wife, and to place
the crown of Ebene on his head, which old age had made too bur-
densome for his own.

Badoura was much perplexed by this offer, which she dreaded
alike to accept or reject. The inconveniences attending her be-
coming the husband of the princess of Ebene were obvious; yet
if she refused, she had everything to apprehend from the anger of
the king, in whose power she was, and who no doubt would resent
the indignity. Nor durst she discover her sex, as she was unpro.
tected by Camaralzaman, uncertain of his fate, and at such a dis-
tance from her father's kingdom. She resolved, therefore, to throw
herself on the generosity of the princess. She accepted the king's
otter with great apparent joy ; and having given a probable reason

182 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

for her conduct to such of her attendants as thought her Camaral
zaman, and cautioned the few of her women who knew the secret
to be faithful and silent, she prepared herself to be the bridegroom
of Haiatalnefous.

The king summoned his council and great men, and, in their
presence, resigned his crown to the supposed Camaralzaman. The
next day, Badoura was decorated in the regalia of the kingdom ;
and the marriage rites were celebrated with the utmost splendor,
amidst rejoicings which gladdened every heart except that of tho
bridegroom.

In the evening, when they had retired together, Badoura, not
without confusion, acquainted the princess that she was a woman.
She related, with many tears, the story of her marriage with Cam-
aralzaman, and of their unfortunate separation. " I durst not,"
continued she, " refuse your father's offer, nor explain my situation
to him. I rely entirely on your good nature to keep my secret a
short time. If the prince of Khalcdan is living, it cannot be long
before he will arrive here, on his way home and should you think
him as amiable as I do, I will consent that he shall be your hus-
band, as well as mine, which you know is agreeably to the laws of
the prophet. If, on the other hand, he is no more, I shall con-
tinue by your kindness, in safety here, till I can acquaint my royal
father with my situation."

The princess of Ebeue heard Badoura's story with wonder and
pity. When she had finished her narrative, Haiatalnefous em-
braced her, saying, "I do not blame your sorrow, unfortunate prin-
cess ; it must needs be great for the loss of a husband so accom-
plished as you describe Camaralzaman ; I will keep your secret,
and shall be glad, by every means in my power, to alleviate your
grief. ;? From this time the most perfect friendship took place be-
tween the two princesses; and Badoura became every day more
esteemed by Armanos and his people, conducting the affairs of
the kingdom with great ability and success.

While these things passed in tho island of Ebene, Camaralza-
man remained with his friendly gardener, impatiently waiting for
the time when he should be able to set forward in search of his
beloved Badoura, One morning, when he was preparing to go to
work, the gardener prevented him, saying, " This day is a great
festival with the idolaters, on which account they will not suffer
Mussulmans to work. I will go to the port, and as the time ap-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 183

preaches in which the ship sails to Ebene, I will secure you u pas-
sage in it. But I would advise you to continue here, and amuse
yourself in the garden till I return.

The prince pursued the advice of his host. While he was re-
posing himself under a tuft of trees, indulging his melancholy
rejections, he was disturbed by two birds fighting, and making a
great noise very near him. In a little time one of them fell down
dead, and the victorious bird flew away.

In a short time two other birds came, and pitched themselves
one at the head and the other at the feet of the dead bird. After
seeming to express much concern, they dug a grave with their
talons, and interred the defunct. This done, they flew away ; but
returned in a few minutes, bringing with them the victor bird, one
holding a wing in her beak and the other a leg, the prisoner all the
while screaming most piteously, and struggling to escape. They
carried him to the grave of the dead bird, where they put him to
death; and tearing him to pieces with their beaks, they strewed
his remains about the place where they had buried his antagonist.

When the two avenging birds had flown away, Camaralzaman
drew near the spot, and, looking on the dismembered carcase, he
saw something red hanging out of it. He took it up, and found it
was his beloved Badoura's talisman. Nothing could exceed the
joy he felt on this happy event. lie had no doubt but it was a
presage of a speedy meeting with his lovely princess. He tri-
umphed over the mischievous bird who had been the cause of his
misfortunes, and rejoiced at the vengeance which had overtaken
him, in the perpetration of a new enormity against one of his own
species.

The prince being much agitated with the adventure of the day,
retired to rest before the return of the gardener. In the morning,
he related to his host what had befallen him. The friendly gar-
dener took part in his satisfaction : "I congratulate you, prince,' 7
said he, " on this happy event; and I shall increase your joy, by
acquainting you that the vessel sails to Ebene in a few days. The
exact time will be appointed this morning ; I will return to the
port, and bring you notice of it; meantime you will find exercise
and amusement by cutting away yon decayed tree."

The gardener set out accordingly, and Camaralzaman took his
tools and began to dig round the tree. When he had turned up
the earth a few feet deep, he discovered a broad plate of brass,

184 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

under which was a staircase of ten steps; he went down, and at
the bottom saw a cave, with fifty brass urns placed in order around
it. He opened them all, and found them full of gold-dust. The
prince was much pleased with this event ; and as soon as the gar-
dener returned he conducted him to the cave, and congratulated
him on his possessing so much wealth in his old age, the reward of
his virtue, and a recompense for his past labor.

"How ! ;? replied the gardener, " do you think I will take these
riches as mine ? For fourscore years I have labored in this garden ;
if this treasure had been destined for me, I should have found it
long ago. It comes to you, prince, in good time, as three days
hence the vessel sails to Ebene, and I have taken a passage for you
in it. ;; Camaralzamau pressed his host much to receive the
treasure ; and after a long dispute, they agreed to divide it between
them.

This affair being settled, the gardener told Camaralzaman it
would be necessary to act with caution, or the idolaters would
seize his treasure: u Fill, therefore/' said he, " fifty jars, half with
gold-dust, the other half with olives; which is a common article
of traffic between this place and Ebene, where none grow." The
prince took this prudent advice; and, fearing lest his talisman
should be again lost, he carefully put it up in one of the jars, and
sent the whole on board the vessel.

The next day Camaralzaman had the mortification to find his
friendly host exceeding ill : the day following he grew worse ;
and, on the third day, when the prince should have embarked, he
was in the agonies of death. The wind being fair, the captain
sent to his passenger, and pressed him to come on board imme-
diately. The distress of the prince was extreme. If he missed
this opportunity, he knew it must be another year before he could
get away from the city of idolaters ; all which time he must re-
main in uncertainty as to the fate of his dear princess. Her sor-
row for him also must continue so much longer. Nor was this all ;
the talisman, that source of all his misfortunes, was no longer in
his possession ; and in whose hands it might full, when the ship
arrived at Kbcne, it was impossible to foresee.

On the otho.r hand, to leave his benefactor to expire by himself,
when he ought to receive the confession of his faith, which all
good Mussulmans repeat before they die : to suffer his remains to
perish unburied. and insulted by the idolaters (which he knew

ENTERTAINMENTS. 185

must be the case, if he did not stay to fulfil the last (.ffices for
him), all this was such an ungrateful return for the gardener's
zeal, fidelity, and benevolence, that, though the struggle was a
severe one, the virtue of the prince prevailed. He received the
last breath of his friendly host, washed his body, and interred it
decently in his own garden ; after which, though night was at
hand, he ran to the seaside, and had the mortification to find that the
vessel had sailed about an hour before, the captain having waited
for him till the last moment.

Camaralzaman submitted to his fate w r ith fortitude, though not
without extreme sorrow, the consciousness of having acted right,
supporting him under the painful consequences of it. The vessel
had a quick passage to Ebene ; where, on its arrival, inquirywas
made, by command of the king, if it had brought any olives. It
happened there were none on board but those belonging to Cama-
ralzaman. Badoura, who was fond of that fruit, ordered all the
fifty jars to be bought at a high price for her own use.

In the evening, when the princess withdrew into the inner pal-
ace to sup with Haiatalnefous, she ordered some of these olives to
be brought to table. On emptying the jar, they were surprised
to find a large quantity of gold-dust among them ; and, on further
examination, Badoura saw and remembered her talisman. She
caught it up. and immediately fainted away.

On her recovery she dismissed the attendants, and, showing
Haiatalnefous the talisman, the two princesses rejoiced together
in the fortunate omen. In the morning the supposed king sent
for the captain of the vessel, and inquired strictly who was the
owner of the olives he had sold the day before ? The captain
readily told the little he knew of him ; on which Badoura com-
manded him to sail immediately, to seize that man, and bring him
to Ebene, offering great rewards if this was done, and threatening
every severity if he failed.

The captain set sail accordingly. When he arrived off the city
of idolaters, he did not think proper to enter the harbor ; but
drawing as near the coast as he could, when it was dark, he landed
a party of his men. and seizing Camaralzaman, conveyed him
aboard with great silence ; after which he immediately hoisted
sail again for Eberie.

The captain, agreeably to his instructions, treated the prince
with great respect, but refused to tell him why he was thus made

186 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

a prisoner. The* princess Badoura had immediate notice of their
arrival, when she ordered Camaralzaman to be brought into her
presence. She instantly knew him, notwithstanding his gardener's
dress. Had she followed the dictates of her heart, she would
have flown to his embraces ; but conceiving it was more to his in-
terest for her to support the character of king a little longer, she
suppressed her emotions, and ordered him to be conducted to a
handsome apartment, and supplied with everything he wanted in
the most ample manner.

The next morning she caused him to be richly clothed, and in-
troduced to her in council ; and in the presence of the emirs she
avowed her knowledge of his abilities, and appointed him lord
treasurer. Camaralzaman received his appointment with wonder,
and would have rejoiced in so favorable a change in his situation,
if all joy had not been destroyed by his fruitless inquiry after his
beloved princess.

For a short he executed the duties of his office with great abil-
ity ; when the supposed king, desirous to put an end to his sor-
row, and her own constraint, ordered him to attend her one eve-
ning in the inner palace. When he arrived, Badoura led him
into a private room, and taking the talisman out of her pocket,
said, " It is not long since this was presented to me. As I have
reason to think" you are skilled in these things, I would know of
you what are its properties."

Camaralzaman took the talisman, and drawing near a lamp to
look at it, immediately knew it. " king," exclaimed he, " it has
one property, which is to kill me with grief if I do not shortly find
one of the most charming women in the world to whom it belongs,
whose loss I have never ceased a moment to deplore ; nor shall I
fail to excite your compassion, when I have related my misfortunes
to you.' 7

" At another time," replied Badoura, " I shall willingly hear
jour story. You may suppose I am not entirely unacquainted
with it. But compose yourself now, and wait here till I return
to you." Having said this, she retired, and laying aside her regal
robes, she dressed herself as a woman, and presented herself to
her husband.

It would be in vain to attempt relating the transports of the
lovers on their re-union. After they were a little subsided, Cam-
aralzaman expressed his gratitude to the king for having so

ENTERTAINMENTS. 187

greatly delighted and surprised him. " Do not expect," replied
the princess, u to see that king any more." She then proceeded
to relate to him her adventures, and the plan she had formed to
procure for him the crown of Ebene.

In the morning Badoura sent a message to Armanos, desiring
to see him. He came immediately, and finding in the inner palace
a strange lady and the lord treasurer (whose presence in those
apartments was unlawful), was at a loss what to say. Sitting
down, he asked where the king was ; to which Badoura replied,
" Yesterday, my lord, I was king; but now am contented to be
only princess of China, and to acknowledge that prince for my
husband.' 7

She went on relating her story, and explaining to Armanos the
motives of her conduct. " Your daughter, sir, the lovely Ilaiatal-
nefous, has assisted me in this critical situation with her secrecy
and her councils. In return, if your majesty chooses to bestow
your crown on the real Camaralzaman, I am willing he should
become her husband also ; to which I have her permission to de-
clare her consent."

Armanos was delighted with the spirit and good conduct of
Badoura ; he readily agreed to confer his daughter and his crown
on so deserving a prince as Camaralzaman, who received them
both with the utmost gratitude.

The next year each of the princesses brought forth a son. The
prince, of whom Badoura was delivered, was named Arcgrad
(most glorious). The son of Ilaiatalnefous was called Assad (most
happy). Their birth increased the friendship of their royal pa-
rents, and greatly heightened the satisfaction of the venerable
king Armanos.

THE STORY OF THE PRINCES AMGRAD AND ASSAD.

King Camaralzaman lived many years happily with his queens
Badoura and Ilaiatalnefous. He had the delight to find his two
sons, as they grew up, become very accomplished princes, and
very dutiful children. The most cordial friendship subsisted be-
tween the two queens; and the princes having the same tutors,
the same officers, the same amusements, seemed also to have the
game soul . the most perfect fraternal affection binding them to
each other.

This delightful scene of domestic felicity was at once destroyed

188 ARABIAN NIGHTS

by the folly of Camaralzaman. The young princes had ittained
the age of eighteen, and the king was past the meridian of life,
when he took a fancy to indulge himself with the privilege the
prophet allows, and married two other wives. The ladies were
young and of exquisite beauty ; but besides beauty they possessed no
desirable quality. Camaralzaman was so infatuated that he treated
his two respectable queens with neglect, and attached himself to
his new wives with a fondness bordering on dotage. Far from re
turning this ridiculous passion, they turned their thoughts to other
objects. The manly graces of the two young princes engaged
their attention; and they contrived to let them know that their
visits might be secret, and would not be unwelcome.

Amgrad and Assad had too much filial piety to receive this in-
vitation with patience. They rejected the offer with abhorrence,
and even punished the slave severely who brought the billets.
From this moment the new queens vowed their destruction. In
the state of the king's mind this was not difficult to effect. They
ceased not to insinuate that the young men were disgusted on
behalf of their mothers, and had ambitious designs of their own.
These hints were dropped, as if given with reluctance, and extorted
from them them through concern for the king's safety.

By these arts Camaralzaman was led to consider his sons as his
most dangerous enemies. He would have publicly put them to
death, but that he dreaded their popularity. He directed them,
therefore, to go to a distant place on the frontiers of the kingdom,
pretending that their studies were interrupted by the bustle of
the capital. An emir, of the name of Gieudar, with a few attend-
ants, were ordered to escort them, and the princes, whose obedience
to the commands of their father was implicit, set out accordingly.
When they arrived at an extensive and uncultivated forest, Giendar
left his retinue on the borders, and led the princes a considerable way
within it, where he produced an order from the king to put them
both to death; they submitted without murmuring to this cruel
decree : a contest only arose between them who should be first
sacrificed to their father's caprice. This affecting dispute was car-
ried on with so much tenderness, as quite melted the emir. At
this instant a lion jumped out of the thicket and made at Giendar.
who. in his fright, dropped his scimitar and fled.

Notwithstanding his haste, he must soon have been destroyed, if
Amgrad had not taken pity of him. lie caught up the scimitar

ENTERTAINMENTS. 189

and encountered the furious beast at the moment he was alout to
seize the emir, and by a fortunate stroke, felled him to the ground
and slew him.

Giendar, thus rescued from destruction, threw himself at the
feet of his deliverer. " I should be," said he, " the most un-
worthy of mankind if I could now, for a moment, entertain a
thought of performing the horrid task I came here to execute. Go,
unfortunate princes, 77 continued he, ' Heaven will no doubt protect
your innocence. Go, and seek from fortune a more favorable
country ; only give me your upper garments that I may produce
them to the king as a proof that I have obeyed him. 7 ' The princes
complied, and gave him their garments, which the emir dipped in
the blood of the lion: and then with many expressions of grati-
tude and affection, he bade them farewell.

On Giendar's return to court, Camaralzaman was very inquisi-
tive to know in what manner his sons had submitted to their fate,
and whether they had confessed their guilt. The emir told the
king that they received his order with the most dutiful resignation;
that they protested their innocence with their last breath, and
died blessing their royal father, who had been led by the deceit and
wickedness of others to destroy his children.

The king was much affected by this account. A sudden impulse
led him to examine the clothes of his sons. In their pockets he
found the letters they had received from their new favorites, who
had wrought their destruction. The whole truth at once flashed
on the unhappy Camaralzaman. He saw with horror the guilt
and misery into which he had been misled. As some atonement,
he immediately banished his betrayers, separately to the most re-
mote parts of his dominions ; where they ended their days in prison,
after many years spent in solitude, and in those tormenting reflec-
tions which wickedness ever excites in the minds of her unhappy
votaries.

The two unfortunate princes wandered some month* in a track-
less country, passing over mountains scarce accessible, and
through forests they could with difficulty penetrate, living on
such fruits and herbs as they could find, and watching by turns at
night to guard against the wild beasts.

At length they arrived within sight of a large city. When they
drew near it, they agreed that one of them only should enter
it, and learn what lort of people inhabited it. After much dispute

190 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

who should go, each wishing to shield the other from danger try
exposing himself to it, they agreed to draw lots ; when the chance
falling to Assad, he took a tender leave of his brother, whom he
left in a grove not far from the. city.

As soon as Assad arrived there, he inquired of a reverend old
man which was the way to the market-place, being desirous to
purchase provisions for his own and his brother's refreshment.
The old man was well dressed, and appeared respectable. He an-
swered very obligingly, lt That, seeing he was a stranger, he would
walk with him thither." They chatted as they passed along ; and
the old man contrived to represent himself to the unsuspecting
prince, as a wonder of honesty and goodness. When they came
to a great house, the old man said, " Son, you must needs be
weary ; this is my house, which I entreat you to enter, and let me
^et before you such fare as it affords : after which I will attend
you to any part of the city." The prince, who was really fatigued,
and had also formed a very good opinion of his conductor, thank-
fully accepted his invitation.

The old man led Assad through a long passage into a hall,
where there were forty other persons, w r ho made a circle round a
flaming fire, which they adore. The prince w r as shocked at their
impiety ; but his attention was soon taken up with his own concerns.
The old cheat saluted the company, saying, " Devout adorers of
fire, this is a fortunate day for us. This young Mussulman will be
an acceptable sacrifice to our divinity. Gazban," continued he,
addressing himself to the black slave, * do you take him and pre-
pare him, by proper chastisement for the holy festival ; and let
my daughters, Bostava and Cavama, regulate his diet, that he may
be fit to be offered up when the next ship departs for the blue sea
and the fiery mountain.

Assad saw all resistance was in vain. He disdained to expostu-
late with the hoary traitor, who had deceived him, and submitted
with fortitude to his fate. Gazban loaded him with chains, and
threw him into a dungeon, where he failed not to visit him often,
and administer the discipline of the whip.

Once a day Bostava anu. Cavama attended him with the coarsest
food ; and as he was chained hands and feet, they fed him. All
the time they reproached and mortified him. by every insult and
barbarity in their power. While they thus obeyed their father,
and performed as they supposed an acceptable service to their

KNTKKTA1NMKNIYS. 191

deity, Cavama gratified a furious and mal.gnant zoal ; but Bostava
was of a more gentle nature, and whenever she oould, with safety
to herself, she did him kind offices.

Amgrad waited for his brother's return with extreme impatience,
and at length resolved to enter the city in search of him. On his
arrival, he was surprised to find so few people in the habit of Mus-
sulmans. At length seeing one of that description at work in his
shop, he asked him the name of the city, and how it came to pass
that he met so few of the faithful in it. " Brother," replied the
tailor, " I perceive that you are a stranger ; if you will come in
and sit down, I can converse with you freely, and will give you
advice which may be of use to you." Amgrad accepted his in-
vitation, and being very anxious about Assad, he began to inquire,
with great earnestness, if he had seen or heard of such a person.

" Alas ! sir," replied the friendly tailor, " I have not seen him ;
and I very much fear you will never see him again. This city is
called the city of Magicians, because the most of the inhabitants
are of that description. They are all adorers of tire, and bear a
mortal hatred to the true believers. They dare not assault us of that
faith, who are inhabitants of the city; but if a stranger Mussulman
falls into their hands, he is seldom heard of more. Do not, how-
ever, give way to fruitless grief, you shall live with me till you have
learned the customs of the place, and then you will be in perfect
safety."

Amgrad accepted the tailor's invitation, and continued with him
for more than a month, without once stirring out of doors. At_
length, weary with so long a confinement, and thinking he had
learned sufficient caution from the conversation of his host, he ven-
tured to go to the public baths.

On his return, he fell into a scrape which had nearly proved
fatal to him. A beautiful wanton accosted him, and removing her
veil, discovered charms which were irresistible; after conversing
with him for some time, she frankly offered to go home and dine
with him. Amgrad durst not conduct her to the house of his
friendly tailor ; yet he had no mind to refuse her offer. In this un-
certainty he resolved to throw himself upon chance. lie walked
on from street to street, the lady following him, till they both
were weary. They came at length to a large gate, which had a
Beat on each side of it, on one of which Amgrad seated the lady
and sat down himself on the other.

192 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The lady asked him if that was the door of his house. Tie incon
siderately replied it was. lt Why do you not go in then ?" said the
lady ; "it is not decent for me to sit here." The prince, by this
time, had begun to reflect upon his situation, and earnestly wished
to get rid of his companion ; he told her, therefore, that his slave
had the key, and he feared would not return for a great while, as
he frequently stayed long on his errands.

The lady abused and threatened the absent slave ; and taking up
a stone broke the lock, which was only wood, and weak, according
to the fashion of the country. She then led Amgrad into a spacious
hall, where they found a table spread with all sorts of dainties, a
side-board covered with choice fruit, and a cistern full of bottles of
choice wine. The sight of such a provision, gave the prince a high
opinion of the owner's quality, and of his own danger in thus
daring to intrude upon him.

The lady sat down to the table, and ate and drank heartily,
obliging Amgrad to bear her company. The prince was astonished
that in a house so rich and plentifully furnished, there should be
no servant. He began to hope that he might finish the intrigue
before they or their master should arrive ; when, on a sudden, he
saw a man thrust his head in at the door, and beckon to him. The
lady sat with her back to the door and did not see him: but
Amgrad, more dead than alive, got up, and making a slight ex
cuse, went out.

The house belonged to Bahader, master of the horse to the king
of Magicians. He had a residence elsewhere ; and only kept this
for the occasional reception of certain friends, whom he used to
meet here in disguise.

Bahader was alone when he came to his house, and found it
broke open. On entering the hall, he saw a young gentleman and
lady eating refreshments he had provided for his friends. He was
a person of great good nature, and supposing something extraordi-
nary had occasioned the intrusion, he determined to beckon out the
gentleman, and come to an explanation with him alone, rather than
question him before the lady.

The prince, when he came out to Bahader, was covered with con-
fusion. He ingenuously told the master of the horse the whole
truth, revealing at the same time his quality. Bahader. with much
good humor, told him he would not interrupt his frolic. " I will
send," said he, " and forbid my friends coming to-day ; and as you

ENTEKTAINMKXTS.

have no slave. I will take that office upon mo ; I desire you will
behave to me as if i was really HO, that you may not suffer in tho
opinion of your mistress." Aingrad paid bis acknowledgments to
Bahader, and returned to the lady in much higher spirits than
\vhen he left her.

Shortly after, the master of the horse, having put on the habit of
a slave, entered the hall with humility suitable to tho character he
had assumed. On his appearance, the lady rated him in the harsh-
est terms, for not being in the way when his master returned. Not
content with this she seized a stick, and began to beat him with
great severity. Aingrad presently rescued him, and, when she
could beat him no longer, she sat down, threatening and cursing
him.

They continued together in the hall, eating fruit and drinking
wine, till evening ; and, as often as the supposed slave appeared,
the lady muttered against him harsh threats and the most reproach-
ful names. When it grew late. Bahader fell asleep in the adjoin-
ing chamber. The lady, hearing him snore, seized Amgrad's
scimetar, and besought him to let her put his slave to death. The
prince endeavored in vain to pacify her. Her rage increasing, as
they disputed, she drew the scimetar. and vowed she would dis-
patch him, even without his master's consent. il It is enough,
madam," said Amgrad, " the slave shall die. since you desire it :
but give me the scimetar; I should be sorry he should fall by any
hand but my own." She restored him the scimetar, which he lifted
up, and at one blow cut off her head, which fell upon Bahader and
awakened him.

The master of the horse was amazed to see Amgrad with a sabre
all bloody, and the body of the lady headless on the ground. The
prince told him what had passed, and added, " I had no way of
preserving your life, but by putting an end to hers." Bahader was
much shocked and alarmed. He knew that as private assassinations
were sometimes committed in the city, the police were very watch-
ful in detecting, and the king very rigorous in punishing them.
Yet how great soever the danger, he could not blame the prince
who had preserved him. He put the body in a sack, and, taking
leave of Amgrad, said, <% You, sir, who are a stranger, can neither
judge of the necessity of removing the body, nor are you suffi-
ciently acquainted with the city to carry it to the sea, where it must
br thrown : but, as you put the lady to death to save my life, it is

9

194 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

proper I should take the risk that may attend that action on my.
pelf."

Bahader set out accordingly, \vith the sack over his shoulder.
He had not got far when he was raethy one of the magistrates, whoso
officers stopped and searched him. He was immediately taken into
custody, and the next morning, in compliment to his situation as one
of the royal domestics, was brought before the king. But all de-
fence was in vain, when the dead body was produced. The king
was so enraged, that he ordered execution to take place immedi-
ately; and a crier was sent through the city to give public notice
of his crime and punishment.

Luckily the crier stopped under the window of the house where
Prince Amgrad was. As soon as he heard the proclamation, he
took his resolution. He inquired his way to the royal palace, and
requested an audience of the king, as the son of a neighboring
prince. Being introduced, he related all that had befallen him, and
fully exculpated the master of the horse. The king was highly
pleased with the behavior of Amgrad ; he readily pardoned Baha-
der ; and, soon after, finding the prince a young man of great
abilities, he appointed him to the important office of grand vizier,
which happened to be vacant.

Assad, in the meantime, continued in the dungeon. The solemn
festival of the adorers of fire approached, and a ship was fitted out
for the fiery mountain, as usual, under command of one Behram,
an able sailor, but a rigid zealot to that religion.

From the time Prince Amgrad was appointed grand vizier, he
was indefatigable in searching after his beloved brother; and
when he heard the ship was about to sail for the fiery mountain,
as he had reason to fear that Assad had fallen into the hands of
the worshippers of fire, he resolved to search that ship with the
utmost strictness. He delayed the examination till the ship had
begun to sail, when going on board with proper assistance, he
obliged the captain to return into the harbor. He then superin-
tended the search himself, and examined every part of the ship
with the most scrupulous attention ; but in vain, for Behram had
conveyed the prince on board in a chest half full of merchandise,
leaving only room for him to breathe, and had stowed it in at the
bottom of the hold.

Amgrad, thus disappointed, permitted the ship to proceed. Soon
after they had sailed, a violent storm drove them out of their

EX TKRTAIXM ENTS . 1 95

course, and when it abated, they had the mortification to find them-
selves at the entrance of the port and capital of Queen JVIargiana,
a devout Mohammedan, and so zealous against the worshippers of
fire, that she had banished them her dominions, and forbade their
ships to touch at any of her ports under the severest penalty.

In this situation, exposed to certain destruction if they continued
out at sea, and with scarce any hope of escape if they ventured to
land, the captain applied to his unfortunate prisoner ; he took off
his chains, and exacted a solemn oath, that he should act as he was
directed, and on no account declare his own situation. Assad,
having conformed to this request, was clothed in a very neat dress,
as he was to pass for a superior slave ; after which Behram boldly
steered his vessel into the port, and anchored close to the gardens
of the palace.

As the storm had not yet entirely subsided, and the ship lay at
the farthest extent of the port, it was some hours before the
captain was summoned to attend the queen, and give an account
of his vessel. Behram only wished to gain time, that the weather
might become fine again ; he delayed, therefore, leaving his ship
as long as possible, and at length set forward slowly, taking Assad
with him.

Behram hoped that Margiana, seeing a Mussulman with him
would not inquire very particularly about the rest of the crew
If she did, he intended to present Assad to her as a slave, which
he doubted not would be acceptable to her, and that, in return, she
would allow them to remain in port. But as the weather, during
his delay, had become more moderate, before he was admitted to
the queen ; s presence, he altered his intention of parting with
Assad, whom he again hoped to keep for the sacrifice.

The queen was greatly taken with the supposed slave. After a
few questions to the captain, she turned to the prince, and asked
him his name. The unfortunate youth, restrained by his oath from
declaring his situation, with tears in his eyes desired the queen
would tell him if she wished to know his former or his present
name. " Have you two names ?" replied the queen. " I have,
madam," replied he ; " my former name was Assad (most happy) ;
my present one is Morcar (devoted to be sacrificed).

Though Margiana did not find out from these expressions the
true situation that the prince was in, yet she understood that ho
was -mhappy. Something in his air and manner seemed to distin

196 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

guisb him ; her partiality was confirmed, and her pity awakened
by his answer. She said, therefore, to the captain, " Either sell
me this slave, or give him to me. Perhaps it will turn most to
your account to do the latter."

Behram bluntly answered he would neither sell nor give him ;
on which the queen replied, in anger, " Then I will seize hiin ; and
do you leave my port directly, or I will confiscate your vessel."
Saying this, she led the prince into the palace. Behram withdrew
greatly mortified, and prepared to put to sea immediately.

The queen conducted Assad into her apartment, and desire*d he
would tell her who he was, and by what means he came into the
power of the captain. Assad concealed nothing from her. When
the queen heard that he was of royal birth, she was no longer un-
willing to indulge a passion she had before begun to feel for him
of the most tender kind, and her indignation against the adorers of
fire increased in proportion.

As evening drew on, she ordered supper to be served early ;
saying, with a smile, " We must endeavor, prince, to make you
some amends for the bad meals you have had since you fell into
the hands of these barbarians." An elegant repast was served,
and the queen ordered Assad to be supplied liberally with wine to
raise his spirits. But this kindness was attended with mis-,
chievous consequences. The prince, after supper, finding he had
drank too much wine, withdrew into the garden, and coming to a
fountain, he washed his hands and face to refresh himself, after
which he sat down, and the liquor overpowering him, he fell asleep.

Meanwhile Behram, dreading the consequence of Assad explain-
ing his former situation to the queen, hastened on board, and pre-
pared to sail. But they were short of Avater, and as he did not
dare to apply to the city for relief, he resolved on a bold measure.
The ship lay close to the royal gardens; it was now night; he
ordered his men to roll the casks to the fountain that was in the
middle of them, and trusted that as it was dark, he might fill them
unobserved.

A\ hile some of the sailors were thus employed, others rambled
to the other side of the fountain, where they discovered Assad
asleep. They knew him immediately ; they seized and conveyed
him, still asleep, on board the ship. The captain, overjoyed that
he had so unexpectedly recovered his captive, soon completed his
watering, and set sail for the fiery mountain.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 197

While this passed on board the ship, the queen began to be much
alarmed that Assad did not return. She sent several of her slaves
into the garden in search of him ; and on their returning without
success, she ordered a party of her guards to attend her with
lighted torches for the same purpose. When they came to the
fountain, they found a slipper, which the queen remembered to
have seen worn by Assad; the sailors had left sufficient marks to
trace them to the shore where they had taken in their water ; and
Behraui's vessel having put to sea, left Margiana no doubt of the
prince's misfortune.

There lay at that time in the port ready for sailing ten of tho
queen's men-of-war. Without waiting for daylight, Margiana went
on board one of these ships, and ordered the commander to put to
sea with the whole fleet, and pursue the merchantman ; promising
to give the ship and cargo as plunder to any captain who should
be so fortunate as to overtake her.

They came in sight of the prize next morning, and spread them-
selves so wide, that Behman soon saw it was impossible to escape.
In this situation, the captain durst not be found with Assad on
board ; nor would he venture to kill him, lest some accidental cir-
cumstance should betray the outrage. He commanded him. there-
fore, to be brought up out of the hold, aud thrust him overboard.

Assad was an expert swimmer, and as they were fortunately at
no great distance from -the shore, he made shift to reach it. Hav-
ing returned thanks to Heaven for his escape, and refreshed himself
with such herbs and fruits as he could find, he travelled along the
coast, without knowing where it would lead him. On the evening
of the eleventh day, he discovered the city of Magicians, which he
immediately knew. He set forward toward it with great spirit,
and having gained wisdom by his misfortunes, he resolved to speak
to no one but Mussulmans ; but before he could reach the city the
gates were shut, and he was obliged to take shelter for that night
in one of the tombs in an adjoining cemetery.

Behram, when he had thrown the prince overboard, as he plainly
saw it was impossible to escape from Margiana's fleet, did not at-
tempt it. He lay to, till the ship in which the queen was came
up with him, when he lowered his sails as a token of his yielding.

The queen herself came on board, and demanded where the slave
was whom he had the boldness to take away from her, out of her
palace. Behram vowed the slave was not ii his ship, which

198 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

he desired might be searched, and appealed to the issue of that
search to testify his innocence.

The most exact survey was made. Every box, every package,
was opened to no purpose. The queen hesitated. As it was pos-
sible Assad might have escaped, she would not put Behram and
his companions to death ; yet she was so much enraged that she
ordered them to be put on shore, and delivered up the ship and
cargo to the commander, as she had promised.

Behram and his seamen knew the country where they were
landed, and set off immediately for the city of Magicians, where
they arrived the same night that Assad did: and for the same
reason were obliged to take shelter among the tombs. lu the
morning, the prince was seized by them ; and as soon as the gates
were open, they conveyed him in the midst of them to the house
of his former persecutor.

He was received with shouts of joy, interrupted by reproaches
and curses, and conducted to his former dungeon. While he \vas
lamenting the severity of his fortune, which had again so strangely
betrayed him into the hands of his cruel tormentors, Bostava enter-
ed with a cudgel, a loaf, and a pitcher.

Assad, overcome with so many calamities, felt his heart sink
within him at the sight of one he had so much reason to dread:
but he was agreeably surprised to find his terrors groundless.
Bostava, instead of treating him with severity, loosened his chains
and set before him some choice provisions and pleasant sherbet.
When he had refreshed himself, she assured him that he was en-
tirely safe from those indignities he dreaded. u Since you wero
here," she said, " a slave, who is a Mussulman, has converted me
to the true religion. This is an entire secret in the family. As
soon as I had heard you were brought again a prisoner, I peti-
tioned to have the sole care of you, and as that request was sup-
posed to arise from my devotion to the fire, it was readily granted.
By this means it is in my power to secure you from every evil ex-
cept confinement, and I will diligently watch for an opportunity
to set you at liberty."

The prince was transported at this fortunate event. He related
to Bostava who he was, and said everything he could imagine, to
strengthen her belief in the Mohammedan religion. A few days
afterward, as she was standing at her father's door, she saw the
grand vizier at the head of a procession, and heard a crier pro

ENTERTAINMENTS. 199

claim a great reward to any one who would give information of
the prince Assad. As no one was in the way at that time who
could control her, she hastened to the dungeon, and saying to
the prince, " Follow me quickly !" she conducted him to the door,
and showed him the procession where he would find his brother.

Assad fled from a house in which he had suffered so much, and
presented himself to Amgrad, who instantly knew him. Their
meeting was inexpressibly tender. After the turbulence of their
joy had a little subsided, Amgrad conducted his brother to the
palace, and presented him to the king, who immediately appointed
him one of his viziers. The treatment Assad had received from
the worshippers of fire, was of course related to the sovereign,
who in a rage ordered their houses to be razed to the ground.
The old man, his daughter Cavama, and Bchram, were taken and
ordered to be put to death : but Bostava entreated Prince Assad
to intercede for them ; and they were pardoned on condition of
their becoming Mohammedans, to which they agreed.

Some time after these things, the princes determined to return
to their father's court, not doubting but he was by this time con-
vinced of their innocence. They resigned their offices to the king
of the Magicians, and thanked him for his protection. They
were actually taking leave of their royal benefactor, when a tu-
mult was heard, and an officer came in, hastily, with a notice that
a numerous army was advancing against the city.

The king being exceedingly alarmed, Amgrad proposed that he
should set out to meet the invaders with a small retinue, and in-
quire the cause of this hostile appearance. This counsel being
approved, Amgrad set out accordingly, and on his arrival was
conducted to a princess who commanded the army. In answer to
the princess inquiries, she told him that she had no quarrel with
the king of the Magicians. " I come," said she, <: to require, in
good friendship, a slave named Assad, to be given up to me, and
to demand punishment of one Behram. a captain of a ship who in-
solently carried him away in defiance of me. I hope your king
will do me justice when he knows that I am Margiana."

" Mighty queen," replied Amgrad, " the slave to whom you do
so much honor, is my brother; if your majesty will permit me to
conduct you to my master's palace, I will present him to you.' 7
Margiana Avas rejoiced at this account. She ordered her army to
encamp where they were, and set out immediately fur the palace

200 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The king received her as became her dignity, and Assad paid his
dutv to her in a manner which highly delighted her.

While they were thus engaged, news came that another army
still more numerous drew near. This was led by Gaiour, king of
China. " I come," said he to Amgrad, "in search of my daughter
Badoura, whom I gave in marriage many years ago to Camaral-
zamau, son of Schazaman. king of Khaledan. I have heard noth-
ing of them for a long time. I therefore have left my kingdom,
thus attended, to find them out."

Amgrad kissed the king's hand, and informed him that he was
his grandson. Giaour, greatly rejoiced at this unexpected meeting,
ordered his troops to pitch their tents, and went with Amgrad to
the palace.

A great dust was now seen to rise opposite another quarter of
the town. The princes immediately rode thither, and found it
was Camaralzaman, their father, at the head of a third army. He
liad been so afflicted for the loss of his sons, that at last the emir
Giendar ventured to tell him that he had spared their lives, and
that they had set forward for the city of the Magicians.

Carnaralzaman embraced his children with the most animated
affection; their filial duty made them at once forget their former
ill-treatment, and return his caresses with unfeigned love.

A fourth army approached the city. The' venerable Schahza-
man came thus attended, in search of Camaralzaman : the latter
prince was overcome w r ith shame and grief on hearing this ac-
count : he reproached himself with his long neglect of the good
old king, who yet retained so much affection for him as to disre-
gard the fatigue and perils of a long and uncertain journey to find
him out. The king of Khaledan readily forgave him, and after a
few days repose at the city of the Magicians (during which time
Assad espoused the queen Margiana), the princes set out for their
respective territories, and Amgrad, at the request of the king of
the Magicians, who was very old, ascended the throne of that em-
pire, which he filled with great ability, distinguishing himself
particularly by his zeal in exterminating the worship of fire, and
establishing the Mohammedan religion throughout his dominions.

THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN.

Zinchi, the king of Balsora, held that crown as tributary to the
caliphs of Arabia. The vassalage was so complete, that the latter

ENTERTAINMENTS. 201

considered the sovereigns of Balsora as accountable to them for
every minute regulation in their government ; they were frequently,
reprimanded, and sometimes dethroned, when their conduct did
not please the commander of the faithful.

The appearance of regal dignity was kept up, notwithstanding
the power was so limited ; and Zinchi being of an indolent dispo-
sition, divided the office of grand vizier between his two favorites,
Khacan and Saouy, both men good of abilities, but of very opposite
characters. Khacan was open , generous, affable, fond of obliging,
and, as a magistrate, strictly impartial ; ho was universally re-
spected and beloved. Saouy was the reverse of his colleague ;
sullen, morose, haughty, insatiably covetous, though immensely
rich, venal, and tyrannical ; he was, of course, generally detested;
and if anything could add to the popular aversion, it was his de-
clared enmity to Khacan, the favorite of the people.

Such were the ministers of the indolent Zinchi, who, relying on
their talents, left to them the care of his government, and resigned
himself to the gratification of his appetites.

One day the king was discoursing with his viziers and great men
about women. Some were of opinion that if a woman had great
beauty and accomplishments, it was as much as a man need de-
sire. Saouy was an advocate for this doctrine ; but Khacan sup-
ported very contrary ideas, and described so feelingly that love
which is founded on esteem, that the king declared himself of his
opinion : and as Khacan, in the course of his argument, had sup-
posed a woman might unite the more valuable qualities of the
heart with personal beauty and exterior graces, the king ordered
ten thousand pieces of gold to be to paid him, and directed him
to use all diligence in purchasing such a woman as he had
described.

When the viziers withdrew from the royal presence, they were
both dissatisfied. Saouy was tormented at the distinction with
which the king had honored his rival. Khacan was exceedingly
grieved at receiving a commission which he apprehended would
involve him in many difficulties. He immediately orde.red all those
persons who dealt in slaves to give him notice when any one of
superior beauty and merit fell in their way. For a long time
his inquiries were in vain ; at last a Persian merchant produced
a slave whose beauty and accomplishments were in the highest-
perfection.

9*

202 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The vizier paid the price demanded for her by the merchant,
though it exceeded the sum deposited in his hands by the king.
'When he was about to conduct her to the palace, the merchant
advised him to take her home, and let her repose for a few days
after her long journey, before he introduced her to his sovereign ;
assuring him that both her beauty and sprightly turn would ap-
pear to greater advantage when she had recovered from her
fatigue. Khacan approved of this advice, and accordingly placed
her in the care of his wife, and, at the same time, acquainted the
lovely Selima (which was her name) with the honor that awaited
her.

The vizier had an only son, named Noureddin, a forward youth of
good parts and handsome person, of whom his mother was so fond,
that she still continued to allow him the liberty of the women's apart-
ments, though the time of shutting him out was several years past.
Noureddin no sooner saw the beautiful Selima, than he became a
captive to her charms. Though he knew his father had pur-
chased her for the king, yet he resolved to run all hazards rather
than not secure her to himself; nor did the fair Persian see Nou-
reddin with indifference. Whatever honor or splendor she might
hope from being the king's mistress, she would gladly have re-
nounced them to pass her life with the son of the vizier.

Selima, having reposed for several days, the minister directed a
costly bath to be prepared for her, intending to present her next
day to his master. As these baths were seldom prepared, the
vizier's lady ordered her slaves to get bathing clothes ready for
her, intending to enjoy the bath herself when Selima had left it.
All these particulars Noureddin learned from a slave wiiom he had
corrupted. Reduced to despair, he resolved to attempt an adveu-
tnre the most audacious that could be imagined. He concealed
himself in the women's apartments, till Selima returned to her
chamber, and his mother went to the bath. He then visited the
fair Persian j and having dismissed her attendants, boldly told
her that his father had altered his intention, and instead of pre-
senting her to the king had given her to him. The lovely slave
wished this to be true, and was not therefore disposed to doubt it.

Khacan was equally enraged and distressed, when he heard of
the violation his sou had committed. Besides being disappointed
in presenting so beautiful a slave to his master, he was terrified
lest his enemy Saouy, should come to a knowledge of an affair,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 203

by which he might effect his destruction. He ordered the mer-
chants to renew their search, declaring that the fair Persian by
no means answered his expectation he frequently complained to
the king of the many difficulties he found in executing his com-
mission ; in short, he managed the business with so much address,
that Zinchi insensibly forgot it; and though Saouy got some im-
perfect information of the transaction, yet Khacan was so much in
the king's favor, that he was afraid to speak of it.

It was a long time before the vizier would suffer his son to ap-
pear in his presence ; but time, which subdues all things, at length
softened his anger: and as the virtues of Selima engaged his
esteem, he resolved to give her to Noureddin, if he would promise
not to look upon her as a slave, but as a wife. He stipulated also
with the young man that he would never be divorced from her,
much less sell her. With these conditions Noureddin joyfully
complied ; and the peace of the vizier's household was restored.

Very soon after these events, Khacan was seized with a danger-
ous illness, which soon put an end to his life. When he was on his
death-bed, he renewed his injunctions to his son, never to part with
the Mr Persian. Noureddin did not hesitate to avow the most
dutiful obedience.

For a time Noureddin lamented his father sincerely ; but the
gayety of youth soon recurred; and when he found himself pos-
sessed of immense riches, he resolved to make himself amends
for the restraint he had been under, by gratifying every wish of
his heart. .He gave the most magnificent and luxurious entertain-
ments, and drew about him a society of gay companions, among
whom he dissipated his fortune with an incredible profusion.
These parasites perpetually surrounded him. In vain the fair
Selima (whom he continued to love with undiminished ardor) gen-
tly remonstrated with him on his too abundant generosity ; in vain
his careful steward hinted to him, that such excess w r onld soon
empty a royal treasury. He continued his extravagant mode of
living, and lavished away large sums in presents to his companions.

Nothing contributed so much to the ruin of Noureddin's for-
tune as his unwillingness to look into his accounts. Whenever
his steward came to lay before him a state of his disbursements,
he always put him aside with a jest, or drove him away with
anger.

One morning, while he was surrounded by the tribe of greedy

204 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

sycophants who generally beset him, his steward presented himselt
before him, and requested permission to speak with him alone.
The air and manner of the steward when he made this request,
indicated something unusual and disagreeable. Noureddin with-
drew with him; and one of the company, more curious than the rest,
followed them out, and so placed himself that he could hear all
that passed between them unobserved.

The steward began with lamenting that he had so often in vain
remonstrated with him. Noureddin endeavored to silence him,
but he would be heard. " The time is now come," said he, " that
you must listen to me. Of all that mass of wealth that came
into your possession a year ago, the few pieces in my hand are the
whole remainder ; your entertainments therefore must be at an end,
or you must provide me with a fresh supply." Noureddin, who
had been overwhelmed by the first part of this conversation, be-
gan to revive at the latter hint. " You shall not long want that
supply/ 7 said he, " I have many friends at this time in my house,
who will rejoice to satisfy my occasions."

The listener, having heard thus much, withdrew and returning
to his companions, repeated what had passed. He had scarce
made an end of his account, when Noureddin entered the room
also.

Noureddin appeared with an affected air of pleasantry which
ill concealed the anguish of his mind. He was considering wheth-
er it would be better to declare his necessities to his friends now
they were together, or apply to them separately ; when one, whom
he had ever most distinguished, rose up, and making a slight
apology, withdrew.

Noureddin, without well knowing why, was much affected at
this. The person who went aw r ay was his favorite companion, had
been enriched by his bounty, and was always one of the last who
left him. While his mind teemed with these uneasy reflections, an-
other, the most servile and cringing of the set, in a pert and care-
less manner, bade him good morning. The others soon followed j
and in a very short time he was left by himself.

The young man passed the rest of the day in melancholy reflec-
tions on his imprudence. He determined at length to borrow a
certain sum from each of his companions, with which he would go
to some other city, and commence merchant. As there was not
one among them who had not received tenfold more from his bounty

ENTKKTA1NMKNT8. 205

thiui he meant to ask, he would not suffer the idea of a refusal to
disturb him. Having thus settled a plan for his future conduct,
his mind became more calm, and he withdrew to Selima's apart-
ment, to whom he related his situation and intention.

The day following, he set out to visit his dear and devoted
friends ; but was so unfortunate as not to find any of them at home.
One, indeed, convinced him he was not abroad ; for he heard him
direct his slave to say he was not at home, adding, " whenever that A
extravagant fellow comes here, give him the same answer."

Noureddin was equally enraged and ashamed. He was giving
way to despair, when the fair Persian advised him to dismiss his
household, sell his slaves and furniture, and try if he could not
raise money enough from them to carry his plan into execution.
Noureddin embraced this prudent council; but even in this com-
mendable scheme he was disappointed. Being obliged to sell, his
goods did not fetch him half their value ; and a fit of sickness, the
consequence of his vexation and former irregularities, held him so
long, that, on his recovery, he found the whole produce of the sale
was expended.

In this extremity of distress, he once more had recourse to the
advice of his beloved Selima, who, seeing no other means of relief
within his reach, reminded him how much money his father had
paid for her " I am your slave," said she ; " you have a right to
dispose of me ; and how much soever I shall suffer from such an
event, I advise you to sell me ; and I heartily wish you may not
lose much of the sum your father gave for me.' ;

Noureddin could not hear this advice without feeling the keenest
anguish. Not only his love for the fair Persian revolted at such
an idea, but the remembrance of his promise to his father never to
part with her, rose in his mind, and made him think of such a
measure with additional regret. But invincible necessity must be
submitted to. He led her, with inexpressible reluctance, to the
market where women slaves are exposed for sale, and applied to a
crier, named Ilagi Hassan, to sell her.

The crier immediately knew the fair Persian was the same slave
that Khacan had bought at so very high a price. He went directly
among the merchants, where he exclaimed, with great gayety,
" My masters, everything that is round is not a nut; everything
that is long is not a fig ; all that is red is not flesh ; and all egga
are not freeh. You have seen and bought, no doubt, many slaves

206 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

in your time : but you never saw one comparable to her I have now
to sell. Follow n>e, and see her; and then name the price I ought
to cry her at. ;;

The merchants were surprised when they saw her, and all agreed
that Hagi Hassan ought not to begin with a less sum than four
thousand pieces of gold. He began to cry her accordingly at that
price ; when the vizier Saouy chanced to enter the market, and
hearing so large a sum asked for a female slave, demanded to see
her

It was a privilege the merchants of Balsora enjoyed, that no
person should see a slave till they had offered the most they chose
to give. After which any person might see her ; and if the stranger
offered more money than the highest bidder among the merchants,
he was declared the purchaser.

But Saouy regarded no man's privilege. He demanded to see the
fair slave immediately ; and finding her more beautiful than he had
imagined, he looked sternly on the merchants, and said, " I will
give the sum you ask for this slave ! ;; No one durst bid more than
the overbearing vizier. The merchants were obliged to submit to
this arrogant interference ; and causing the fair Persian to be locked
up, waited at the door, and directed Hagi Hassan to go immediately
and find the seller.

Noureddin had retired out of the market to indulge his sorrow
unobserved, but had told the crier where he might be found. Hagi
Hassan went to him, and related to him all that had passed. If
anything could have aggravated Noureddin's affliction, it was that
Saouy should become possessed of the fair Persian. The sting of
this circumstance made him quite inattentive to the low price for
which she was to be sold. lt 1 swear to you," replied he, " I would
sooner die than part with my slave for ten times the sum, to that
enemy of our family help me, I entreat you, good Hagi, to the
means of escaping this last of misfortunes."

" You must conduct yourself in this manner,-'' replied the crier,
"or the vizier will insist upon his bargain. When I am about to
present her to him, you must catch her by the arm before he
touches her. You will then give her two or three blows, and tell
her that although her bad temper made you swear that you would
expose her to the indignity of being cried in the market, yet it is
not your intent to sell her. Pull her then again toward you. and
lead her away."

ESTEKTAINMENTS. 207

Noureddin followed this advice. "VVLen Saouy saw the son of
Khacan approach, and found he was the owner of the beautiful
slave, he enjoyed to the utmost his malicious triumph, arid his dis-
appointment was in proportion when he heard him refuse to con-
firm the contract. lie called him by the most reproachful names,
and riding up to the fair Persian he attempted to seize her. Nou-
reddin wanted not this provocation to exasperate him against the
vizier, lie pulled him off his horse, rolled him in the kennel, and
pummelled his head against the stones, till he had almost killed
him. After which he conducted the fair Persian home again.

Saouy also retired, amidst the shouts and execrations of the
people, who had prevented his attendants from assisting him. He pre-
sented himself immediately before the king, all bloody and dirty as
he was, and besought justice. On being ordered to say on what
account, he reminded the king of tfie commission he had formerly
given to Khacan. " I saw by accident to-day , ;; continued he, " a
most beautiful slave, which the profligate Noureddin was about to
sell. I had no doubt but she was the slave Khacan had bought for
your majesty ; and would have reclaimed her for you it was for
this attempt that Noureddin has treated me thus cruelly."

The king became greatly enraged on this account, lie ordered
his officers to seize Noureddin and his slave, and to level his 'house
with the ground. One of the royal attendants who heard the
king's order, had been appointed to his office by the vizier Khacan.
Full of gratitude to the memory of his benefactor he ran to Nou-
reddin ; s house, and putting a purse of gold in his hand, told him
briefly what had happened, and charged him to fly with speed : as,
if he was taken, the king was too much enraged to hear him, and
would certainly put him to death.

Noureddin and Selima hastened toward the river, where they
found a vessel on the point of sailing ; they embarked without in-
quiring whither she was bound, and after a short and pleasant
voyage arrived safely at Bagdad.

When they landed it was evening, and having no baggage to
take care of, they rambled a considerable time about the gardens
that bordered on the Tigris. They came at length to a porch on
each side of which stood a neat sofa ; and as they were tired with
their walk, they sat down on these sofas, and after talking together
for some tune, they insensibly fell asleep.

The porch was the entrance to a garden belonging to the caliph,

208 AU.VBiAN NIGHTS

in which was a beautiful pavilion of pictures. The charge of this
garden and pavilion was. committed to an ancient officer, called
Scheik Ibrahim, with positive orders to admit no person into it,
nor even to sit on the sofas that stood in the porch.

Scheik Ibrahim was absent in the city on business. On his re-
turn, when he found two people sleeping on the sofas, he was so
enraged that he was going to chastise them ; but seeing by the
little daylight that remained, they were both handsome, and ap-
peared above the rank of the vulgar, he resolved to awaken them,
and hear their apology. The scheik had much good nature, and
more vanity. Finding from Noureddin's excuse that they were
strangers of condition, and they taking him for the owner of the
garden, he resolved to humor the mistake; he asked them to walk
in, and repose themselves in a place more suitable.

They accepted his invitation, and he conducted them into the
garden, and showed them the pavilion ; the hall of which was
adorned with fourscore windows, and in every window was a
branched candlestick, containing a considerable number of wax-
lights; the pavilion was in every other respect truly magnificent.

Scheik Ibrahim was exceedingly taken with his guests ; they
soon became familiar with each other, and finding how much they
were delighted with the hall, he determined they should sup there.
" I came here," said he, " to pass the evening alone, and, therefore,
have no slave to attend you ; but if you will give me leave to wait
on you, I will supply all your wants."

When they had supped, Noureddin dropped a hint that some
wine would not be unacceptable ; at which Ibrahim started, and
said, " Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, or going
to a place where it is sold ! such a man as I am, who have been
four times on a pilgrimage to Mecca, must have renounced svine
forever."

" Notwithstanding this," replied Noureddin, " I will not be de-
prived of my wine ; be so condescending as to go to the door of a
wine-house, and send in a porter for some, which he may bring
here; and that you may have the less scruple, it shall not be
bought with your money." He then put a couple of pieces of gold
into ihe scheik's hand, who, laughing in his turn, congratulated his
guest on his invention ; " without which," said he, " I should never
have found out a way of providing you with wine, and preserving
my conscience inviolate."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 209

While Ibrahim was gone, it occurred to Noureddin that all this
aversion to wine was but hypocrisy, and that his host would drink
his cup as heartily as he could. To try this, he instructed Selima
how to act ; and when the wine came, he filled three cups, and
offered one to Ibrahim. The old man started back, as if with
horror, on which Noureddin drank the cup, and the fair Persian
presented the scheik with a slice of apple, which he received with
great pleasure.

As they conversed, Noureddin pretended to fall asleep. Selima
seemed to think he was so, and presented a cup of wine to the old
man, she said, " Drink this cup to my health, and keep me company
while that drowsy sot sleeps." Ibrahim for a little time resisted ;
but overcome with her beauty, he complied. Soon after, he drank
a second cup with very little opposition. He received a third from
Selima without murmur : and the fourth, he helped himself to.
Noureddin seeing this, burst out a laughing, saying, " Ha ! Ibrahim,
you are caught; is this the way in which you abstain from wine ?' ;
Ibrahim, warmed with what he had drauk, and loving wine, threw
aside his reserve, joined in the laugh, and sat down very cordially
with his guests to finish the bottle.

While Noureddin and his host were conversing together. Selima,
observing the candles in the branches, and seeing the room looked
gloomy, desired Ibrahim to light them. As he was in earnest dis-
course with Noureddin, he said to her, jocularly, " Lady, you are
much the youngest; light a few of them yourself." Selima im-
mediately lit up every candle, at the same time opening the shut-
ters of the windows.

When the pavilion of pictures was thus illuminated, it made a
very splendid appearance. As the caliph was retiring to bed, it
chanced that he opened his casement, and seeing the illumination,
he inquired of Giafar the cause of it, in a manner sufficiently ex-
pressive of his displeasure. The vizier had a particular friendship
for Scheik Ibrahim. To shield him from the anger of the caliph,
Giafar invented a tale that the scheik had applied to him for leave
to celebrate a religious ceremony in the pavilion, in company with
the ministers of his mosque. The vizier, to secure his friend, said
so much upon the subject that he excited the curiosity ol the
caliph ; who, instead of going to rest, ordered the disguises to be
brought, in which he and Giafar used to go about the city, and
made him and Mesrour, with the other slaves about him, go with
him to the pavilion.

210 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Giafar knew there was not a word of truth in what he had told
his master. He would willingly, therefore, have diverted the caliph
from his purpose ; but in vain the prince would go ; and the
vizier, trembling for the consequences, was obliged to attend him.

On their arrival, they found the door of the hall partly open ;
and the caliph approaching, was surprised to see a young man and
woman of such extraordinary beauty. He was also much dis-
pleased to see Ibrahim, whom he had always considered as a grave,
steady man, now drinking wine, and carousing to excess. u Are
these," said he to the vizier, " the ministers of the mosque you
told me of?"

At this instant, Selima took up a lute, and began to tune it. The
caliph was exceedingly fond of this instrument; he again drew
near the door, when the fair Persian played on it so admirably as
quite delighted him. Returning to the vizier, he said, "I will for-
give you all, if you will contrive to introduce me to this company,
without discovering who I am."

There was in the gardens a fine canal which abounded with the
choicest fish. The bold and needy fishermen of the town would
often scale the walls, though strictly prohibited, to obtain some of
them. It occurred to the vizier that possibly he might meet with
one of these pilferers. Having hinted this to the caliph, he set out
with Mesrour, and fortunately found one stripped to his shirt, and
busily employed in disengaging some fish from the net which he
had just drawn on shore. At the sight of the caliph's attendants,
away ran the fisherman, leaving the fisii, nets, and clothes behind
him. Giafar seized the latter, and taking with him a few of the
finest fish, he persuaded the caliph to assume the appearance of a
fisherman, and present himself as such to Ibrahim and his com-
panions.

The caliph agreed to the proposal ; but lest he should be ex-
posed to any insult in his own gardens, he sent away an attendant
for his imperial robes. He then dressed himself as a fisherman,
and entering the room where Ibrahim and his guests were, he
offered to sell them his fish. The scheik was now drunk. He
would have driven away the supposed fisherman but Selima in-
terposed, and expressed a desire to have the fish, if they could be
dressed immediately. < : My princess," replied the old man, "I
have a kitchen below, where this fellow may dress them if he
pleases." ''I dosire no better," replied the caliph, "and will ask
nothing for them if you will let me join your company."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 211

This being agreed to, the caliph, who took upon laimself the
name of Kerim, withdrew, and ordered the slaves who attended
him to dress the fish ; which being done, he served them up him-
self, and sat down with the company. They all commended the
fish; and Noureddin being no less drunk than his host, took out
his purse of gold, and threw it at the supposed fisherman as a re-
ward ; nor was this all, for when Selinia had sung another song,
with which Kerim expressed himself highly delighted, Noureddin
told him he was an honest fellow, and as he liked the slave, she
was at his service; he would make him a present of her. Having
Baid this, he arose and was about to take up his robe and depart.

Selima in vain entreated her unworthy master to recall his rash
gift. He reproached her as the cause of all his misfortunes. The
caliph was astonished at what had passed ; and while the fair Per-
sian retired to a sofa to vent her grief, he requested Noureddin t;o
relate his story.

The young man complied ; and the caliph found from his nar-
rative, that though his new acquaintance had been led aside by
youthful indiscretion, which deserved correction, yet King Zinc hi,
and his vizier Saouy, had been guilty of oppression and injustice.
He considered that the folly of Noureddin had brought a severe
distress upon him ; while the king of Balsora, influenced by his
minister, had abused the authority delegated from him with im-
punity.

He determined, therefore, to punish their injustice, by the very
man who had been the victim of it. He wrote an order to Zinchi
to abdicate his throne, and place Noureddiu on it. lie also added a
set form of words in the margin of the letter, which denoted his in-
sisting on punctual and immediate obedience. This he put into
Noureddin's hands, and advised him to return with it to Balsora.
" I am not unknown," said he to Zinchi ; u we were school-fellows :
though this letter is given you by a person so obscure, yet, depend
upon it, when the king receives it, he will do you justice.'" 7

An air of authority, which broke forth while the caliph said this,
had great influence with Noureddin ; and as his situation was despe-
rate, he ventured on a desperate undertaking ; he rose up and
without taking leave of Selima, who was overwhelmed with grief,
he went on board a vessel, and sailed for Balsora.

A ridiculous ecene now took place between the drunken Ibra-
him and the supposed fisherman. " You have been well paid for

212

your paltry fish by that prodigal," said Ibrahim, u but I shall not
suffer you to keep all he has given you. I am content to divide
the money with you; but the beautiful slave I will keep entirely
to myself." The caliph refused him in a laughing answer, which
BO enraged Ibrahim, that he withdrew in haste to fetch a cane to
chastise the insolent Kerim.

As soon as Ibrahim had left the hall, the caliph gave a signal
for his attendants to enter. They instantly took away the fish-
erman's garb, and dressed him in the royal robes ; and when
Ibrahim returned, staggering and muttering curses and threaten-
ings against the unreasonable fisherman, he was amazed to find
in his room the caliph, attended by his principal ofiicers.

The scheik stood aghast at a sight so unwelcome, and so unex-
pected. Recollecting himself, he in the most humble manner be-
sought his master's pardon. The caliph, after giving him a good-
humored reprimand, forgave him, and turning to Selima, who
had seen these transactions in silent astonishment, he exhorted
her to take comfort, as Noureddin would soon be in a situation to
receive her again in splendor. In the meantime he promised to
place her under the protection of his favorite lady, Zobeide.

Noureddin had time enough during his voyage to reflect on the
danger he exposed himself to by returning to Balsora ; but his sit-
uation was so deplorable that he became almost indifferent to the
consequence. On his landing, without consulting any friend, he
went directly to the palace, and presented the letter to Zinchi, at
the time of public audience. The king's color changed on read-
ing it ; he was about to obey the caliph's order, when he thought
of showing it to his vizier.

Saouy read it in a transport of envy, rage, and despair ; ho
took care, however, to conceal these passions. An artful expe-
dient occurred to him to postpone at least Noureddin's elevation.
He pretended to turn round for better light, when he tore off the
set form in the margin which he swallowed : then, turning to \he
king, who was in great confusion, he talked with him in a whisper
to the following effect ; that the set form being omitted, it was
plain that the caliph had only given Noureddin that letter to get
rid of him ; that the patent had not been sent, which was itself
sufficient reason to suspend obedience to so strange an order. lie
concluded with requesting Zinchi to commit Noureddin to his
custody, hinting pretty plainly that he should not long be in the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 2 13

king's way. Zinchi consented, and Noureddin was seized, loaded
with chains, and conveyed to the house of his inveterate enemy,
where he was treated with the utmost rigor.

Noureddin remained six days in this situation, lamenting chiefly
his own indiscretion, in thus putting himself in the hands of his
enemies. Saouy did not pass this time without uneasiness ; he
dreaded the consequence of his bold measure, in tearing off the
most material part of the caliph's letter. Though he was impa-
tient to deprive Noureddin of life, he neither durst do so privately,
as he at first intended, nor was his malice satisfied with less than
the shame of a public execution, which he could not inflict on his
own authority. Thus situated, he had recourse again to artifice ;
and taking advantage of Zinchi being intoxicated, he made such a
representation of Noureddin, that he obtained the royal order to
put him to death the next day, in the midst of the city.

At the time appointed, Saouy went in person to the prison, ac-
companied by his slaves, with the executioner and his attendants,
and ordered the prisoner to be conducted to the scaffold, with
every possible circumstance of ignominy. Noureddin, who heard
these barbarous orders, exclaimed, " Thou triumphest now,
mine enemy ! but remember what is written in one of our books :
'You judge unjustly, forgetting that in a little time you shall be
judged yourself." 7 "Fool," replied Saouy, "not to remember
what another of our books sayeth, ' What signifies dying the day
after the death of one's enemy ? J "

Noureddin was led through all the principal streets of the city,
to a scaffold erected opposite the gate of the palace. The fatal
blow was about to be struck, when a most tormenting thirst op-
pressed the prisoner, who earnestly desired some water, which
the people about undertook to provide. This causing a little de-
lay, the vizier impatiently called out to the executioner to per-
form his office. A tumult immediately ensued among the people,
who still retained an affection for Noureddin, and ever hated
Saouy. The king himself was offended at the cruelty of his
minister, and gave a signal to suspend the execution. At this
instant, a troop of horse came galloping full speed toward the
palace, at the head of whom appeared Giafar.

The instant Saouy saw the grand vizier, he again pressed the
execution of the prisoner, which Zinchi with high indignation again,
forbade. When the caliph's minister reached the palace, he or

214 AI.'.UJIAN NIGHTS'

dered Noureddin to be released, seized Saouy, and the same hjur
set out again for Bagdad, taking ZiucLi and Nourjddin with
him, and leading Saouy thither prisoner, bound with the same
chains he had lately imposed on the unfortunate Noureddin.

The sudden and timely appearance of Giafar was caused by
the caliph accidentally hearing Selima' accompanying her lute, in
the apartments of Zobeide ; this brought to his recollection that
he had not sent to Balsora the patent confirming Noureddin king
in the room of Zinchi. Giafar was immediately despatched with
it in all haste ; and arrived just in time to prevent the effect of
Saouy's malice.

On his return to Bagdad, Giafar introduced them to the caliph,
who, having examined into everything, told Noureddin he was at
liberty to revenge his Bufferings, by depriving his enemy of his
head. The young man. generous in this instance, was satisfied
with having Saouy in his power ; he even entreated the caliph to
pardon him. Haroun Alraschid highly commended his manly
and liberal behavior, but added, " Though it is right in you to for-
give a private injury, it would ill become me to pardon such an
abuse of authority. Mercy to such an offender, would be cruelty
to my people." Saying this, he ordered Saouy to be immediately
put to death.

The caliph would have despatched Noureddin to take possession
of the throne of Balsora ; but he declared that the many calami-
ties he had met with in that city, had made it hateful to him : the
caliph, therefore, after a severe reprimand, permitted Zinchi to re-
assume his government; and restoring Selima to Noureddin he
gave him a handsome appointment in his palace.

THE STORY OF BEDER, PRINCE OF PERSIA, AND GJAUHARA,
PRINCESS OF SAMANDAL.

Some years ago, Persia was governed by an accomplished prince
of the name of Mirza. His great reputation kept his neighbors in
awe ; his subjects were happy under his government; he kept up
the dignity of a sovereign of Persia with great splendor ; his ha-
rem was filled with beauties from all parts of the world; but though
he was exceedingly amorous, he had never attached himself to any
particular object. He felt the necessity of something more than
mere personal beauty to command his heart.

One day a merchant, who dealt in beautiful slaves, arrived at

KNTK RT A I X M liNTS . 2 15

Mirza' s court, and acquainted him that he had met with a slave
more lovely than any he had ever seen. The king desired to see
her, and was so charmed with her, that he paid the merchant the
full price he demanded, and gave him a noble present besides.

The king ordered the fair slave to be lodged in the most elegant
apartments of the harem, and directed the attendants to behave to
her with the most profound respect. When she had reposed a few
days, and had recovered from the fatigue of her journey, her charms
were so much improved, that Mirza was quite enamored with her.

The fair slave endured rather than received the caresses of her
royal master. She submitted herself to his disposal in silence.
The most affectionate endearments produced no alteration in her
behavior. She continued to cast her eyes on the ground ; nor
could any entreaties prevail with her to utter a single word. Mir-
za, notwithstanding, became so fond of her, that he dismissed all
his other women, and attached himself entirely to her.

A year passed, during which the fair slave observed the same
obstinate silence ; when one day, as the king was pouring forth
vows of the most unalterable affection, he perceived that she list-
ened to him in a different manner from what she had been used to
do. She held up her head, she smiled, and cast her eyes on the
king with looks of love. Mirza perceived the alteration with as
much surprise as delight; he doubted not but she was going to
speak : he urged her, and she fulfilled his expectations to this pur-
pose:

"Since I have resolved to break silence. I have much to say to
your majesty j but let me, in the first place, thank you for all the
favors and honors you have conferred upon me. Let me inform
you also that I am with child. This induced me to break a silence
I had intended should have been perpetual, and to love and respect
you as I ought."

Mirza was transported to hear she was likely to make him a
father, a blessing he had despaired of, as none of his mistresses
had brought him an heir. In the extravagance of his joy, he
caused the news to be instantly proclaimed to his capita} ; he or-
dered the poor to be relieved, the prisoners set at liberty, and ev-
ery possible demonstration of joy to take place throughout his do-
minions. Having given these directions, he turned to the fair sLivo,
and tenderly inquired into the cause of her long silence.

44 To account for my conduct," said she, "let me inform you, sir

21 G ARABIAN EIGHTS'

that though I was reduced so low as to be sold to you for a slave,
I am of royal blood. I have never ceased to remember my origin,
and took care to do nothing which should disgrace that birth by
giving anything like a consent to what befell me in the state to
which my misfortunes had reduced me. Your tender attention and
respect shook this resolution, and my being with child by you has
entirely overturned it.

11 My name is Gulnare, of the sea. My father was one of the
most potent princes of the ocean. At his death he left his kingdom
in profound peace to my brother Saleh; and I lived happily in his
court, under the protection of my royal mother, who was daughter
of another puissant monarch of the sea.

" An ambitious neighbor, taking advantage of my brother's youth
and of our too great security, invaded his territory with a mighty
army, and advanced so rapidly to his capital that we could scarce
save ourselves from falling into his hands. We escaped to an in-
accessible fortress, with a few trusty adherents, and continued there
a long time, while my brother laid plans to drive out the usurper.

" Saleh was very fond of me ; and as the affair he was about to
undertake was exceedingly hazardous, he wished to see me mar-
ried before he embarked in it. l In the present miserable condition
of our affairs,' said he, ' I see no probability of matching you to
any of the princes of the sea ; I would therefore wish you to
marry one of the princes of the earth. Your beauty surpasses
anything they ever saw. and a very small part of the little wealth
we have left would be an inconceivable treasure to the greatest of
them.'

Ct Instead of weighing this advice of my brother as it deserved,
I reproached him with meanness of spirit, in making me so de-
grading a proposal. My mother adopting his idea, I gave way to
my wounded pride, and with an imprudence and want of duty
which youth could scarcely excuse, I threw myself out of the pro-
tection of these my natural and best friends. As soon as they had
left me, I gave a spring from the bottom of the sea to the island of
the moon. It would be tedious if I was to relate to your majesty
the many distressing consequences of this rash step. One disaster
followed another, the usual and just punishmeut of indiscretion
and disobedience, till I became at length a slave, and fell into your
hands/'

When Gulnare had finished her narration, the king of Persia

KNTEKT A IXMKNTS. 217

ciulir-iceu' her with great tenderness. " Your story, my charming
princess," said he, ' has greatly excited my curiosity, which I would
beg of you to gratify, if I was not resolved first to put you in a
situation more worthy of you." Mir/. a sent immediately for the
proper officers, and publicly espoused the beautiful Guluare,
causing her to be proclaimed queen of Persia, in the most solemn
manner all over the kingdom.

These ceremonies over, the king required of his lovely bride a
w?re particular account of the inhabitants of the sea. "I have
often heard," said he, " that the sea was peopled, but I ever con-
sidered it as a fable, not believing it was possible for human beings
to walk up and down, and live entirely in the water."

" Sir," replied the queen, u we can walk at the bottom of the
sea with as much ease as you do on land, and breathe in the water
as you do in the air, yet it never wets our clothes. Our faculties
in general are more perfect than yours. Our vulgar language is
the same that was engraven upon the seal of Solomon, the Son of
David.

" The water does not obstruct the opening and shutting of our
eyes. Our sight is sharp and piercing, and can discern any object
in the deepest sea as distinctly as upon land. Wo have the same
succession of times and seasons as you have, and enjoy the light
of the same planets in as great a perfection. As the sea is much
larger than the earth, so we have many more kingdoms, all of
which have great cities, well peopled ; and there are the same
varieties of manners and customs among us, as there are among
the nations of the earth.

' The palaces of our kings and great men are magnificent, be-
yond any idea you can form. We have gold, as you have ; but
the diamonds and pearls which are in most estimation with you
would scarcely be worn by the lowest order of our people. We
have an incredible agility in transporting ourselves where we
please, in an instant ; so that we have no occasion for carriages or
horses, yet we use both for splendor on public occasions.

" Among other things in which we differ greatly from the in-
habitants of the earth is, the method of delivery and managing the
women of the sea in their lying in. On this account it will be
necessary to send for my mother and my cousins to assist at my
labor. I wish also to be reconciled to my brother. I beseech your
majesty will give me leave to send for them ; they will be glad

10

218

to see me now I am the consort of so great a prince, and proud
to pay their respects to your majesty."

The king started at this proposal. " I should rejoice," replied
he, " to receive your relations; but how can they know where you
are, unless you leave me to go in search of them ? That I cannot
hear to think of." " Sir," replied Gulnare, with a smile, --if I have
your permission to send for them, I need not stir from this room.
They will be here in a very short time.' 7

Mirza readily consented, the queen requested him to retire to an
adjoining closet, from whence he could see her friends without
being seen by them, till she chose to introduce him. The royal
palace stood close to the sea : the queen opened the windows near-
est to it. and, having called for a pan of fire, she threw in some
powder, and pronounced certain words over it.

Presently the sea appeared disturbed, and in a short time opened ,
when a tall, handsome young man, with whiskers of a sea-green
color, appeared on the surface ; a little behind him was one lady,
advanced in years, attended by five beautiful young ones. The
queen approaching the windows of the apartment, was soon per-
ceived by her relations, who came forward, not walking, but car-
ried, as it were, on the surface of the waves. When they came
near the palace, they nimbly leaped into it. The whole company
embraced Gulnare, and tenderly reproached her with having left
them so abruptly, and kept herself concealed from them so long.
King Saleh also told her that he had driven out the usurper, and
seized his kingdom, as well as recovered his own.

Gulnare received them with great respect, and, in a few words,
told them all that had befallen her. " I could not," added she,
" for very shame apply to you while I was beset with difficulties,
which arose entirely from my own imprudence. But I am now be-
come the wife of the greatest monarch of the earth, who, in every
instance, treats me with the utmost regard and attention."

A sumptuous collation was brought in, which the queen re-
quested her relations to partake of. As they were preparing to do
so, the same thought struck them all, that they had entered tha
palace of a mighty prince, and were about to sit down to his table
without having been introduced to him. A sense of this incivility
caused thorn to blush; their eyes sparkled, and they breathed
flames of fire at their mouth and nostrils.

Gulnare doubted not but this sight would alarm her husband ;

EN T KKT A IN A1ENTS. 219

and. as she fouud her relations were desirous )f seeing him, she
withdrew to the closet where he was, and offered to introduce them
to him. Mir/a expressed himself much satisfied at thejr arrival,
but frankly owned he durst not trust himself near people who
breathed forth fire so terribly. Gulnare, laughing, told him that
those flames would cease when they saw him and were only a
token of their unwillingness to sit down to table without him.

When the queen had presented her relations to the king of
Persia, and mutual compliments had passed, his apprehensions were
done away, and he soon became much attached to his illustrious
guests. He treated them many days together with the greatest mag-
nificence. In the midst of these hours of festivity, their joy was
increased by the queen being happily delivered of a prince so
beautiful, that they agreed, with one voice, to call him Beder
which, in the Arabian language, signifies the full moan.

One day, soon after the birth of the prince, when Mirza and
Saleh were visiting the queen, the latter took Beder from his
nurse, and, after caressing him and dancing him about the room,
on a sudden he leaped out of the window into the sea, with the child
in his arms, and disappeared.

The king of Persia was exceedingly alarmed when he saw his
beloved son, the child of his wishes, thus snatched from him. He
concluded the infant must be drowned, and was giving way to
despair, when Saleh returned with Beder in his arms, whom he
restored unhurt to his nurse. He then explained to Mirza the rea-
son of his conduct. " Children/' said he, " born of parents who are
not both inhabitants of the sea, have only a few moments occurring
once during their early infancy, in which the privilege of descend-
ing into the regions of the water can be imparted to them.
While I was playing with my nephew, I perceived those precious
moments (soon to pass away) were arrived without losing them to
explain myself to you, I pronounced the mysterious words which
were engraven on the seal of the great Solomon, the son of David^
and, taking the prince with me into the sea, I completed the neces-
sary rites. Beder will now be able, when he pleases, to plunge
into the sea, and traverse the vast empires it contains at its bottom.

" I have, also," continued he, " brought your majesty a small
present, which I request you to accept.'' He then made a signal,
when two men rose out of the sea bearing an immense coffer, which
contained three hundred diamonds as large as pigeon's eggs, as

220 AKAIJIAN NIGHTS

many rubies, with emeralds, and pearls of the greatest value ; so
that the king of Persia was absolutely astonished at a display of
riches which exceeded everything he had any notion of.

King Sal eh, and the ladies of the sea continued with Mirza and
Gulnare as long as in prudence they could. At length they took
leave, and returned to their own territories. An affectionate inter-
course continued between them during their lives ; and they paid
frequent visits to the court of Persia.

As Beder grew up. he appeared to be a prince of great hopes.
His temper was benevolent ; his talents brilliant ; and they were
early called into exercise. While he was yet a youth, disease bore
heavily on Mirza, and he became desirous to withdraw himself from
the fatigues of royalty. He resigned, therefore, his crown to his
son; and though he survived that event but a short time, yet he
had the satisfaction to see the prince conduct himself with great
ability, and to be treated by him with the most perfect respect and
duty.

The loss of his father was well supplied to the young king by
the sagacious councils of Gulnare and King Saleh. That prince
was so attached to his nephew, that he passed with him all the time
he could spare from the care of his own dominions. One day after
dinner, Saleh, in conversation with his sister Gulnare, fell insen-
sibly on the praises of his nephew. Beder, among his other vir-
tues, had great modesty ; and not being willing either to interrupt his
uncle, or to sit and hear his own applause, he rose from the table,
And withdrew to a sofa, where he pretended to fall asleep.

Saleh continued the conversation, and told the queen that there
was a princess of the sea, who far surpassed all others in beauty,
whom he earnestly wished to be the wife of Beder, but that very
considerable difficulties lay in the way of obtaining her fur him.

Gulnare arose in haste to look at Beder, who, being much inter-
ested in the conversation, counterfeited the most profound sleep.
The queen, thinking him really so, returned to her seat, and Saleh
proceeded to tell her that it was Giauhara, daughter of the king of
Samandal, whom he thought of for his nephew. " She is," continued
he, "the most beautiful and accomplished princess that ever was
seen on the earth or in the waters. But as her father is insupport
ably proud, looking upon all others as his inferiors, it is not likely
he will readily agree to the alliance.'-'

Beder heard this discourse too attentively for his peace. He be-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 221

came enamored of the princess Giauhara. of whose beauty he
conceived the highest opinion ; and fearing that the king of Saman-
dal should reject him, it entirely destroyed his rest; he became
absent, thoughtful, and sad. While Saleh contemplated this change
in his beloved nephew with great anxiety, an accident revealed to
him the cause of it. Walking one evening in the gardens of the
palace, he overheard Beder express his passion for the unknown
Giauhara, in terms the most vehement.

Saleh was excessively grieved at this event. He discovered him-
self immediately to the young king of Persia, and represented to
him in the strongest terms the folly of devoting his heart to a lady
whose beauty he knew only by report. But Beder, finding his
secret thus unexpectedly discovered by his uncle, avowed his at-
tachment, and pleaded the necessity of his obtaining Giauhara to
preserve his life, in such pathetic terms, as entirely subdued Saleh.
Beder perceiving the impression he had made, pressed his uncle to
tuke him immediately to his kingdom (without asking Gulnare's
consent, of which they had no hope) and set on foot a treaty with
the king of Samandal. Saleh agreed ; and the sea, passing at the
bottom of the gardens, they both plunged into it, and arrived, in a
very short time, at the palace of the sea-king.

Saleh prepared a most sumptuous present, and set off as soon as
possible, with a great retinue, for the court of Samandal. On his
arrival, the king treated him with much respect, and appointed a
public audience, to receive him in the presence of the whole court,
the next day. Accordingly King Saleh was introduced in great
state, and placed on the king of Samandal's left hand ; where,
knowing the character of the prince he was addressing, he paid his
compliments to his royal host, in the most submissive and respect-
ful manner; and concluded by directing his attendants to lay the
present they bore at the king of Samandal's feet.

If the vanity of that prince was delighted by the abject behavior
of his brother king, his avarice was no less gratified by his present,
which was of immense value. He turned, therefore, toward his
guest, and embracing him, requested to know in what manner he
could serve him.

King Saleh. pleased with his gracious reception, declared that
the purport of his visit was to solicit an alliance by marriage be-
tween the two royal families. lie had scarce proceeded thus far
when the king of Samandal interrupted him by a loud laugh;

222 AKABIAN NIGIU'S

after which he asked him, with much contempt, how long he had
entertained such a chimera ? or how he could conceive the absurd
thought of aspiring to so great and accomplished a princess ?

King Saleh had submitted to humor the disposition of the king
of Samandal, because he feared that haughty prince would be with
difficulty prevailed on to give his daughter to Beder: who, being
only a kh:g of the earth, was greatly her inferior; but when ho
found himself treated in so contemptuous a manner, he was highly
offended, and replied with great spirit, <; You are mistaken, sir, if
you suppose I meant to ask your daughter for myself ; nor should I
have considered such a request as at all aspiring, being in every
respect your equal. It is for my nephew, the king of Persia, that
I was about to solicit, a prince whose merit renders him a fit hus-
for the lovely Giauhara, and who, though nut a prince of the sea,
is the most potent of the kings of the earth."

The rage of the king of Samandal at this discourse, deprived
him, for some time, of all utterance. At length he broke out in
outrageous and injurious expressions, unworthy of a king; not eon-
tent with this, he forgot what was due to the dignity of Saleh,
and to the rights of hospitality. lie called out to his guards to
sei/e his guest, and cut off his head.

The audience-chamber beeame a scene of the greatest confusion,
presently escaped out of the palace, at the gate of which he
iv.u..d a thousand men, of his relation^ and friends, well armed.
The queen, his mother, considering how few attendants he had, and
the reeoption he would probably meet with from the king of Sa-
mandal, had sent this little troop after him for his protection.

Saleh put himself at the head of his friends, and. with great
presenee of mind, secured the avenues of the palace; and entering
again the audience-chamber, he seized the person of the king of
Samandal. His next care was to have secured the princess; but
on thn first alarm, she, together with her attendants, had sprung to
the surface! of the, sea, and escaped to a desert island.

Meantime, some of Saleh's attendants, who fled at the first onset,
arrived at th ; u king's capital, and spread a general consternation,
by relating the danger they left him in. All the royal family were
in the deepest affliction : but Beder, who considered himself as the
cause of his uncle's misfortune, was overwhelmed with sorrow arid
confusion. He dreaded the reproaches of his grandmother and oi
the other princesses : he hastily, therefore, darted from the bottom

ENTERTAINMENTS. 223

of the sea, and not knowing how to find the way to Persia, ho
arrived by chanc.) at the same island where the princess Giauhara
had taken refuge.

The prince, much disturbed in mind, seated himself under a
grove of trees. While he was endeavoring to compose himself, he
overheard the sound of voices; and drawing near the place they
proceeded from, he saw a lady of the most exquisite beauty, con-
versing with some attendants. Beder was quite charmed with her.
lie listened to their conversation, and, to his astonishment, he soon
found that the lady Avas the princess to whose beauty he had de-
voted his heart, from the account he had heard of it. He learnt
also the success of his uncle Saleh, and the captivity of the king
of Samandal whose misfortune, the charming princess dutifully
deplored though she expressed herself unacquainted with the
cause of it.

Beder was so rejoiced at meeting with his beloved Giauhara, that
he rushed forw r ard and threw himself at her feet ; and as soon as
she had recovered her surprise, he related how he had become en-
amored with her, who he was, and concluded by offering to at-
tend her to her father's court, where he had no doubt of being able
to re-establish friendship between the two sea-kings.

The princess was pleased with the person and address of Beder:
and when she heard him relate how much he had become attached
to her before he had seen her, she blushed, and listened to him with
great complacency. But when she found he was the nephew of
king Saleh, and the cause of the insult her father had received,
and of her own fright andgrtef, she soon entertained very different
sentiments respecting him. She gave way to the dictates of fury
and revenge, which yet she had art enough to conceal. She suf-
fered such expressions of favor toward him to escape her, seeiu-
inglv in her confusion, that the fond prince was enraptured ; and
by reaching forth his hand to seize that of the princess, he pu
himself in her power. She pushed him back, and spit at him, say-
ing, * Wretch, quit the form of a man, and take that of a white
bird with a red bill and feet." The spell took place directly ; and
the unfortunate Beder became a bird of that description. 4i Carry
him now," said the revengeful Giauhara to one of her attendants,
" to yonder solitary rock, and let him remain there, without food
or water, till he perishes."

The attendant to whom the fate of Beder was committed, took

224 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

compassion on him. ''How cruel it is," thought she, u to destroy
so accomplished a prince ? my mistress will certainly one day re-
pent it." Without venturing to expostulate with Giauhara, she took
charge of the bird; but instead of carrying him to the barren
rock, she conveyed him to a neighboring island, well planted and
watered, where he would have no difficulty to find support.

While these matters were transacting, Saleh, having secured the
person of the king of Samandal. though he treated him with re-
spect, determined to keep him prisoner, and to administer the gov-
ernment of his kingdom till Giauhara should return. This he.
found no difficulty in accomplishing. He appointed trusty officers
for the several departments, and then returned to his own kingdom,
where found all the princesses of his family in great grief for the
absence of King Beder. But as the inhabitants of the sea are too
wise to indulge long in a fruitless sorrow, those august persons
soon comforted each other, and waited for his return with hope and
patience.

The king of Persia still continued under the force of enchant-
ment, and gathered, in the island he was placed, that subsistence
which suited the form he bore. It happened that a peasant, whc
was skilled in taking birds, saw him ; and being much pleased with
his beauty, conceived to ensnare him. He carried him to a neigh-
boring city, where he was offered a large sum for him by a luxurious
citizen, who wished to gratify his appetite with so tempting a
morsel. The peasant refused his offer, not doubting but the king
of that country would be glad to have so rare and beautiful a
bird. Nor was he mistaken. The king paid him very bountifully,
and inirnediatly sent for the queen, to present her with his pur-
chase.

When the queen entered the room where the bird was. she let
fall her veil, and told the king that it was a prince of illustrious
descent he had purchased under that form. She then, at her hus-
band's request, took some water in a cup, and, uy muttering some
words over it, caused it to boil. This she sprinkled on the bird,
baying. "By virtue of the holy and mysterious words I have pro-
nounced, resume the form in which thou wast created." Imme-
diately the bivd vanished, and a handsome young man paid the
warmest thanks to his royal benefactors.

The king, having heard Beder's story, embraced and congratu-
lated him, offering him every service in his power. ;< As you are

ENTERTAINMENTS. 225

not at so great a distance from your own kingdom," said he to
the king of Persia, " your power of conveying yourself through
the sea is, at present of very little service to you, for how will
you find your way through it ? You had better, therefore, em-
bark in some of the vessels which sail hence to some country
nearer your own. 77

Beder followed this advice; but when the ship had nearly com-
pleted her voyage, a violent storm drove her out of her course;
and as she approached the shore of an unknown land, she struck
against a hidden rock, and beat to pieces. The crew all perished ;
but the king of Persia threw himself into the sea, and reached
the shore without difficulty. As he approached the city, he was
met by a great number of animals; horses, camels, mules, asses,
and other beasts, who crowded together before him, and seemed
to oppose his entering it. He forced his way through them ; and
on entering the city, found the streets spacious and well built.
He proceeded a considerable way without meeting with any one,
and came at last to shops, in one of which he saw 1 an old man,
whom he courteously saluted.

The old man started at the sight of the prince, and, without
answering his compliment, pressed him to come into his house.
Beder, though surprised at his earnestness, complied ; when the old
man congratulated him that he had obtained that shelter, before
any misfortune had befallen him ; asking, at the same time, what
business brought him to that city, and whether he had met any-
body in his walk thither.

Beder told his host what had happened to the ship ; and added,
" That he met no man in his way from the sea, but had been
strangely opposed by a number of animals of different sorts."

" Those animals were your friends," replied Abdallah, which
was the name of the old man ; li this city is called the city of en-
chantments ; it is governed by a queen, named Labe. who is one
of the most charming and most wicked of her sex ; inconstant*
cruel, treacherous, and a sorceress. All those animals were once
young men, strangers like you, whom she has transformed by her
diabolical art. She has regular patrols who go about the avenues
of tin city, and seize all strangers, either coming in or going out
of it. They are carried before the queen, and if she fancies
either of thorn, he is clothed in magnificent apparel, treated as a
prince, caressed by the queen, who gives him such proofs of affcc*

10*

22G ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tion as to make him conclude she loves him entirely. This happi.
ness is not permitted to last long ; for within forty days he is sure
to lose the human shape and become a brute. ' ;

The king of Persia heard of this account with much concern.
"How unfortunate am 1 !'" said he aloud; " scarce freed from one
enchantment, which I remember with horror, I am now exposed to
another yet more terrible." Having said this, he very frankly
told his host who he was, and what had befallen him, and
requested his advice how to conduct himself in his present peril-
ous situation.

" Prince/' replied Abdallah, "the wise man, and the good Mus-
sulman, will, in all disastrous events, look about for such circum-
stances as most alleviate distress, and from them will collect
courage and resignation to the will of Heaven. It is true, you
are unfortunate in arriving at this city ; but then your having
missed the patrols, and your applying to me, are happy events.
Know that there is no person in her dominions, whom Labe treats
with so much respect as myself; the cause of which is, that she well
knows she has much reason to fear me. It would be too bold a risk
to attempt to get out of the city yet ; reside a little time with me,
I will give out that you are my nephew, which will secure you
the civilities of the citizens, and you will not be considered as a
stranger; and, though it will not protect you wholly from the
queen, it will at least make her cautious how she behaves to you."

The king of Persia thankfully accepted this offer. As Abdal-
lah knew it would be impossible to conceal his guest from observ-
ation, he let him appear openly; and, on all occasions, spoke of
him as his nephew. Near a month had passed when Beder, be-
ing at the door, saw a very splendid procession approaching; he
asked his host what it meant. "The queen is coming by," an-
ewered he, " but do you stand still, and fear nothing."

A thousand of the queen's guards, clothed in purple, armed and
well mounted, marched first, with their sabres drawn; then fol-
lowed the like number of eunuchs, habited in rich brocades ; next
came as many young ladies on foot, splendidly dressed, and march-
ing slowly with half pikes in their hands; in the midst of them
appeared Queen Labe on a horse all glittering with diamonds,
with a gold saddle, and housing of inestimable value. All the
retinue, ae they passed, saluted Abdallah ; and the queen, when
ehe came to his shop, stopped to speak with him.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 227

At the sight of Beder, the queen complimented Abdallah on
his possessing so handsome a slave. The old man told her he
was a nephew whom he had adopted as a son. " I will then." re-
plied the queen, " for your sake, make him as great and powerful
as ever a private man was ; let him -join my train." Abdallah,
with great respect, besought her to excuse him; but Labe, having
gazed earnestly on the prince, became much pleased with him, and
very importunate with the old man to part with him. Abdallah was
exceedingly grieved for King Beder ; but finding the queen w r ould
not be refused, he consented, on condition his supposed nephew
might pass one more day with him.

Most .part of this day he passed in comforting the king of Per-
sia, who was in despair when he found he should be in the power
of the sorceress. Abdallah recommended him to place no confi-
dence in the queen's professions, but to watch her with the most
jealous attention, and if anything happened which appeared alarm-
ing to consult him immediately.

The next day Labe came, with her usual train, to conduct
Beder to her palace. As soon as she arrived at Abdallah's house,
he w r ent up to her and said, " Puissant queen, I conjure you to
lay aside the secrets of that art you possess in so w r onderful a de-
gree } respect my nephew as my own son ; and you will reduce
me to the utmost despair if you should think fit to deal with him
as you have done with others." " I understand you very well,"
replied the queen, " and swear to you by the fire and the light, and
by whatsoever is sacred in my religion, that neither you nor he
shall have cause to repent your compliance with my desire." She
then ordered a horse to be brought for the prince, as richly ca-
parisoned as her own, and caused him to be placed at her left
hand. As he was mounting, she asked Abdallah what was the
name of his nephew ; and being told Beder (the full moon), her
majesty replied, " Sure it was a mistake ; he ought to have been
called Shems" (the sun)

When they arrived at the palace, the queen conducted Beder
through the apartments which were furnished in the most magnifi-
cent style. Before dinner, she laid aside her veil, and discovered
a face uncommonly charming. The prince, notwithstanding, be-
held her unmoved. " No one," thought he, <% 'is beautiful, whose
actions are hideous."

But when dinner was over, and wine was introduced when

228 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

music and dancing bad softened the mind of the young prince then
the charms of the enchantress bewitched him; and laying aside
all his wholesome fears ; he returned her caresses, careless of the
consequences.

For nine-and-thirty days Beder abandoned himself to these
enervating pleasures; but in the evening of the last of these days,
he chanced to observe the queen mix a powder in a cup of wine,
which she afterward presented to him. His suspicions were at
once awakened. He contrived to change the cup unobserved ; and
by that means avoided drinking the potion, though he knew not for
what purpose it was administered. The powder was intended to
promote sleep ; and when Beder and the queen retired to rest, the
prince, whose mind was much disturbed, aided the deception un-
wittingly, by pretending to fall asleep immediately, in order to
avoid conversation. Labe arose, not doubting but that her powder
had taken the designed effect, proceeded to her incantations; Beder
all the time observing her with the most anxious solicitude.

She opened a chest, and taking out a box full of yellow powder,
Bhe laid a train of it across the chamber, when a rivulet of water
appeared. The sorceress poured some of the water into a basin
full of flour and kneaded it, mixing certain drugs, and all the while
muttering over it. Having made a cake, she caused a fire to ap-
pear in one corner of the room, where she baked it. When it was
done, she uttered certain words, and the rivulet and fire disappeared.
The queen put by her cake, and returned to bed.

Beder no longer doubted but Labe meditated mischief against
him. In this situation, he reflected with deep regret that he had
given himself up to sensuality with the abandoned queen, and
neglected Abdallah. He resolved to visit him as soon as it was
day, to acknowledge his fault, and entreat his advice how to act in
his present situation.

He arose accordingly, and leaving Queen Labe asleep, he found
out the house of his kind host, and related to him all that had
passed. Abdallah, embracing him, said, "You have shaken off
your folly, my dear Beder, and you have become jealous in good
time. You are not mistaken ; this wicked woman, notwithstand-
ing her repeated oaths, meditates your ruin. When you return,
ehe will present you with a cake, arid press you much to eat it. You
will do well to slip it aside, and eat a piece of this \\hich I will
now give you. When she thinks you have swallowed it, she will

ENTERTAINMENTS. 229

attempt to tiAnsfonn you into some animal. Finding she does not
succeed, she will pass it off as a joke; but her hatred of you will
become extreme. While she is in this confusion, you must preseiu
her with her own cake whole. As she will think she has failed
of her purpose from some omission in making her cake, she will
readily eat some of yours, to remove all distrust in you, and the
sooner, because she will think you broke and ate a part of that
she made. As soon as she has swallowed a morsel of it, throw
some water in her face, and bid her quit her present form, and
take any one you please.

Beder made all possible acknowledgment to Abdallah for de-
fending him thus from the wiles of a pestilent sorceress. On his
return to the palace, the queen met him with much seeming affec-
tion she gently chid him for having left her so long, and invited
him to walk with her in the garden. When they came to a cas-
cade, Labe, with the most endearing tenderness, presented the
prince with a cake, which she told him w r as of her making,
and besought him to eat it for her sake. Beder received it with
respect, and, bowing low, contrived to change it unobserved for
that which Abdallah had given him. As soon as he had eaten a
little of it, the sorceress, taking some water from the cascade, threw
it in his face, saying, li Wretch, quit the form of a man. and become
a vile horse, lame and blind. 7 '

These words having no effect, the queen appeared confused, and
blushed exceedingly ; but she presently began to laugh at Beder,
w r ho gave in to the pleasantry and laughed with her. Soon after,
he said, u Charming queen, the only gift I would accept of from my
uncle this morning was a cake, which you will find most delicious,
if you will do me the honor to taste it.' ; Saying this, he presented
her with her own cake. In order to regain the confidence of the
king of Persia, she broke off a piece and ate it. But she had no
sooner swallowed it, than she appeared much troubled, and re-
mained motionless. Beder, catching up some water in his turn,
threw it in her face, saying, ' Abominable sorceress, quit the form
of a woman, which thy crimes so much dishonor, and become a
mare." The transformation took place immediately.

The mare appeared very sensible of her situation, for she shed
tears in great abundance, and bowed her head very submissively
to the prince. He put her into the hands of , groom to bridle
and saddle ; but of all the bridles in the stables, not one would fit

230 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

her. Becler ordered the groom to load her with him to Abdallah's
house, who rejoiced exceedingly to see the prince safe, and the
sorceress in that situation. The old man soon found a bridle which
fitted her exactly ; when having dismiss-ed the groom, he said to
Beder, '' It will he best for you, my lord, to quit this city imme-
diately. Mount the mare, and return to your kingdom. But be-
fore you leave me, let me recommend one thing to your especial
care, which is, if ever you part with your mare, be sure to de-
liver the bridle." Beder promised to remember this caution, and
taking an affectionate farewell of his friend, he sot out for Persia.

After several days' travelling, he arrived at the suburbs of a
great city, where a venerable old man stopped him, and asked
him from what part of the world he came. While they were
talking, an old woman came by, and looking at the mare, sighed
and wept bitterly.

Beder was affected with her sorrow, and asked her the cause of
it. " Alas ! sir," said she, " it is because your mare so exactly re-
sembles one my son had, that 1 should think it the same, if I did
not know she was dead. Sell her to me, I beseech you ; I will
give you more than she is worth, for the sake of him who once
owned her likeness."

The king of Persia told her he would on no account sell his
mare. But she continued urging and entreating him, till he was
tired with her importunity. At length, seeing her very poorly
dressed, he thought of a method to get rid of her. " I never in-
tended," said he, " to sell so good a beast, nor will I now for less
than a thousand pieces of gold. For that price you shall have
her ; so go home and fetch the money." (i I have no need to go
home for it," replied the old woman, unloosing a purse she had at
her girdle, " here is exactly the sum you demand."

Beder was surprised to find so shabby a woman thus ready with
such a largo sum. He bid her put up her money. " I have been
only bantering you," said he, " my mare is not to be sold."

The old man had been witness of all that had passed. Son,"
said he to Beder, " it is necessary you should know one thing,
which I find you are ignorant of. It is not permitted in this city
for any one to tell a lie, on pain of death. As you have made a
bargain with this old woman, you must not refuse to take her
money and deliver your mare, or you will expose yourself to cer
tain destruction*"

ENTERTAINMENTS. 231

The king of Persia found himself obliged to alight, and gh e up
his mare. In his confusion, he still kept hold of the bridle long
enough for the old woman to slip it off the mare's head, and leave
it in his hand. The old woman then taking up some water that
ran in the street, threw it in the mare's face, saying, " Daughter,
quit that beastly form, and reassume thine own." The queen was
immediately restored, and Beder was so terrified when he saw
her, that he was unable to attempt to escape.

The old woman was the mother of Queen Labe, and had iu-
etructed her in all her magic. As soon as she had embraced her
daughter, she caused a genie to arise, who, taking Beder on one
shoulder, and the old woman with Queen Labe on the other, he
transported them in a few minutes to the palace of the queen in
the city of enchantments. When they arrived, Labe, amidst many
3xecratious, transformed the prince into a vile owl, and delivered
-iim to one of her attendants, with orders to shut him up in a cage,
^nd keep him without food till he perished.

The attendant, disregarding the queen's command, locked up the
cage in a room where no other person could come, leaving him
plenty of food. She then went to Abdallah, and acquainted him
with the fate of the king of Persia, and his own danger ; Queen
Labe having vowed to destroy him by next morning.

Aballah knew the power and the malice of the sorceress. He
summoned, therefore, a genie, who immediately conveyed the at-
tendant to the court of Persia. By the direction of Abdallah she
told Queen Gulnare in what situation she had left Beder. The
affectionate mother burst into tears of joy at hearing of her son.
She ordered the trumpets to sound, the drums to beat, and caused
proclamation to be made all over the city, that King Beder was
about to return to his capital. She then, by a certain fumigation,
summoned Saleh, and acquainted him with the situation of his
nephew.

Saleh assembled his troops, and called to his assistance the
genii, his allies, who appeared with their numerous armies. Gul-
nare joined them, and they all lifted themselves up in the air, and
Boon poured down on the palace and the city of enchantments,
where the magic queen, her mother, and all the other adorers of
fire, were put to death. Beder was again restored to his proper
for :n ; and Abdallah, being placed on the throne of Labe, received
for his queen the attendant who had preserved him and Beder.

232 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The marriage revived the attachment of the king of Persia to
the lovely Giauhara, and Saleh, desirous of gratifying the wishes
of his nephew, ordered the king of Samandal to be conducted to
the city of enchantments. The pride of that prince had been now
sufficiently humbled; he rejoiced in the opportunity of being re-
stored to his throne, by an alliance with the family of his con-
querors.

Giauhara obeyed her father without reluctance; and after apol-
ogizing to the king of Persia for the severe treatment which filial
duty had compelled her to offer him, she gave him her hand.
The nuptials were solemnized with the utmost magnificence ; all
the lovers of the magic queen, now restored to their pristine
forms, joyfully assisting at them.

THE HISTORY OF GANEM, SON OF ABOU AYOUB, SURNAMED LOVERS

SLAVE.

Abou Ayoub was a merchant of Damascus, who had, by care
.and industry, acquired great wealth. He had a son, a very accom-
plished young man, whose name was Ganem, afterward called
Love's Slave ; and a daughter, who, on account of her admirable
beauty, was named Alcolomb, or Ravisher of Hearts.

Abou Ayoub died ; and amidst immense riches, he left a hundred
bales of brocades and other rich silks, which were ready packed
in the warehouses, and marked for Bagdad. Some time after his
death, Ganem resolved to carry these goods to the market they
were destined for, and dispose of them among his father's corre-
spondents. He was received by them with great respect, and soon
sold his goods to his satisfaction.

Ganem employed the time he had to stay at Bagdad till the
return of the caravan in improving his mind, by conversing with
the principal merchants, and seeing everything which was worthy
of observation. One day, on going to the bezestein, he found all the
shops were shut ; and on inquiring the cause, he was told that one
of the merchants, whom he knew, was dead, and that all his
brother traders were gone to his funeral.

Ganem went to the mosque, and arrived there before the prayers
were ended ; after which, the body was taken up ; and followed by
the kindred and the merchants, whom Ganem joined, to the place
of the burial, which was at a great distance from the city. It was
a stone structure, like a dome, built purposely for the family of the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 233

deceased. Tents were pitched around it to receive the comj any.
The monument was opened, and the corpse laid in it ; the imam
and the other priests sat down in a ring, and said the rest of the
prayers ; they also read the chapters of the Alcoran appointed for
the burial of the dead; the kindred and merchants sitting round
in the same manner behind them.

It was near night before all was ended. Ganem, who did not
expect so long a ceremony, began to bo impatient ; and more so
when he saw meats served in memory of the deceased, accord-
ing to the custom of Bagdad. He was also told, that the tents
were set up to protect the company from the evening dews, as they
were not to return to the city before morning. Ganem, who had
considerable property in his house, was alarmed at this account ;
and having eaten a little of the meat, he contrived to slip away
from the company unobserved.

He made all possible haste toward the city, but unluckily mis-
took his way ; nor could he even find the track to the tents again,
In this situation, he resolved to take shelter for the night in one
of the tombs, the doors of which they did not take much care to
shut fast.

He came at length to a large tomb, before which grew a palm
tree. Here the young merchant entered, and laying down, en-
deavored to sleep ; but the anxiety he was under at being absent
from home prevented him. He arose, therefore, and walked back-
ward and forward before the door. After some time, he was
startled to see a light coming toward him. He shut the tomb, and
climbed up the palm tree as his safest retreat.

He had scarce seated himself, when he perceived three slaves
enter the burial-place ; one of them bearing a light, the other two
a large chest; which, having dug a hole, they deposited in the
earth, and filling up the hole as smooth as possible they departed.

Ganem concluded that the chest contained something of value.
When the slaves were gone, and daylight began to appear, he de-
scended from the palm tree, and with much labor removed the
earth from the chest, and, on opening it, was amazed to find a
young lady of incomparable beauty, magnificently dressed ; and
though her eyes were shut, evidently alive.. Ganem lifted her out
of the chest, and the fresh air presently recovered her. "W hen
her faculties returned, she was equally frightened and astonisbod
to find herself iu a burial-place. Ganem approached her with tho

234

utmost respect; he expressed his joy at having been the means of
saving her from a premature grave, and offered to obey her com-
mands and render her, in any manner she chose, the services she
stood in need of. At the sight of Ganem, the lady covered her
face with her veil. After hearing his account, and seeing the
chest, she was at no loss to comprehend her situation or the value
of the assistance the merchant had rendered her.

But the present was no place for explanation ; nor could she
hesitate to accept the protection even of a stranger, when the perils
that surrounded her were so numerous and so dreadful. " I re-
turn thanks to Heaven, sir," said she, " for having made you the
means of my deliverance ; I will rely on your integrity, and thank-
fully accept your offer of further help. It is highly necessary
for both your safety and mine, that 1 should return to Bagdad un-
noticed; but the dress I wear will attract the attention of the
people. We must contrive to manage this matter first, and when
we arrive at your house I will fully acquaint you with my siturtion."

Afer a short deliberation, Ganem drew the chest out of the pit,
which he filled up. He then placed it in a part of the enclosure
where it was least likely to be observed; and having persuaded
the lady to lie down in it again, he covered it over with loose
boughs, and went into the city ; he hired the first muleteer he saw,
and returning to the burial-place, assisted him to place the chest
on the back of the mule, giving him some plausible reason for
having deposited it there. The muleteer was not very curious ;
he carried the chest to the merchant's house, and having received
his hire, went, well satisfied about his business.

Ganem hastened to release the lady ; he put her in possession of
his best apartments, and then left her to repose. Returning some
hours after, he presented her with two female slaves, which he
had bought to attend her, and led her to a table covered with
the choicest dainties. The lady by this time was much re-
covered, and by the lively sallies of her wit, completed the con-
quest of Ganem's heart. The young merchant had not before felt
the power of love, but now suffered it to take the most entire pos-
session of his soul.

vVhen they had dined, and the slaves were withdrawn, Ganem, in
reaching over some fruit to his guest, observed some gold letter^ on
the edge of her veil, which he requested she would explain.
: Read them/' said she, taking off her veil, "they wjll serve to in

ENTERTAINMENTS. 235

troduce my story to you.'' The young merchant was so delighted
with the admirable beauty of his guest, that for some moments he
forgot to look at the veil he held in his hand; but when he read
the words, he was covered with confusion, for they implied that the
wearer was betrothed to the illustrious caliph Haroun Alraschid-
" Alas ! madam," said Ganem, " I have rescued you from the grave,
and these words on your veil condemn me to it."

The lady, without noticing this sally of her deliverer, proceeded
to acquaint him with her story. " My name," said she, " is Fetnah,
which signifies a storm, and was given me because it was predicted
at my birth, that the sight of me would occasion many calamities.
I was, very early in my life, introduced into the palace of the
caliph, who was so taken with me, that he presented me this veil ;
and had before now added me to the number of his wives, had not
his presence been required to quell an insurrection in a distant part
of his dominions. The partiality of the caliph raised me many
enemies ; the chief of whom is Zobeide, his first wife, and for a
long time his favorite. This violent woman has taken advantage
of his absence ; she has caused my slaves to administer a sleepy
potion to me, and during its effect, disposed of me in a manner you
was witness to. When the caliph returns, he will, I am sure,
amply reward the service you have done me; but till then, it is ne-
cessary that I should remain in the utmost privacy: as should
Zobeide know that I had been delivered, she would not only destroy
me, but you would also fall a sacrifice to her cruelty and revenge
for having preserved me. ;;

When Fetuah had finished her narrative, the young merchant re-
plied, with a sigh, " Ah ! madam, your story has plunged me in the
deepest despair. I had presumed to encourage hopes that I must
for ever renounce. I will preserve you here in secret for your il-
lustrious lover. I cannot cease to adore you, but will never again
presume to hint my passion to you. I know too well my duty to
the commander of the faithful, and that what belongs to the
master, is forbidden to the slave.' "

From this time Gauem waited on the lady with the most respect-
ful attention. ' He never suffered a word to escape him' on the sub-
ject of his passion for her, but his eyes and actions continually
spoke for him. Fetnah, who had no affection for the caliph, oculd
not resist the attractions of a handsome young man, who had been
BO materially her benefactor, and whose love for her was unques-

236 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tionable. She devoted her whole heart to him : yet they were both
restrained by a sense of duty to the commander of the faithful from
coming to an explanation, Ganeni often repeating, " what belongs to
the master is forbidden to the slave."

But though no expressions of affection escaped the lips of either
of the lovers, yet they passed every hour together which was not
devoted to indispensable avocations. When they were for a little
time thus divided, Fetnah counted the hours of Ganem's absence,
and he flew with rapture to her presence as soon as he could de-
spatch his business. Several months glided away in this manner.
At length the young merchant growing impatient, began to drop
hints, inviting his lovely guest to retire with him to Damascus, and
unite her fate with his. Fetnah had almost determined to accept
his offer, w r hen a little female vanity, and a well-founded but in-
discreet indignation, put an end to all Ganem's hopes, and plunged
them both into very severe calamities.

Fetnah could not bear that Zobeide should triumph in the suc-
cess of her barbarous arts. Without considering the consequences
to herself or her protector, she determined to lay before the caliph
the wickedness of that princess. She requested Ganem to inquire
if the commander of the faithful was returned, and whether any
notice was taken of her supposed death.

Ganem conducted these inquiries with great dexterity. He learnt
that immediately after her having been disposed of in the burial-
place, a report of her death had been industriously spread all over
the city : that Zobeide had celebrated her obsequies with great
pomp, and had erected a mausoleum to receive the body, where
lighted candles were perpetually burning, and every ceremony per-
formed which custom had appointed for the illustrious dead.

He heard further, that the caliph had returned to Bagdad more
than a month; that on his arrival he had expressed the utmost sor-
row for the loss of his beloved Fetnah ; that he caused the cere-
monies to be repeated with still greater magnificence, and that they
were still continued. Prayers and the Alcoran were recited, and
the caliph, attended by his officers in the deepest mourning, every
day moistened the earth that covered the phantom of his love, with
his tears.

Fetnah, on receiving this report, drew up a relation of all that
had befallen her. This, by the help of Ganem, she contrived to lay
before the caliph. Haroun read the account of his favorite's suf-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 237

ferings with surprise and tenderness, and with indignation against
Zobeide. But toward the close of her narrative, Fetuah had en-
larged a little too much on the care which Ganein took of her.
The manner also in which she spoke of her deliverer, betrayed to
the jealous prince the state of her heart!

" Is it so if 7 ' exclaimed the enraged caliph - } " the perfidious wretch
has been four months with a youug merchant, and dares to boast
of the respect he pays her. Thirty days are past since my return
to Bagdad, and she now bethinks herself of telling me this news.
Ungrateful creature ! while I have passed the hours in bewailing
her, she has spent them in betraying me. Go to, let us take re-
venge on the false woman, and on that bold youth who affronts
me."

The caliph immediately despatched Giafar with orders to level
Ganem's habitation to the ground, and to bring him and Fetnah
prisoners to the palace. The grand vizier had no difficulty in
finding out the house of the young merchant, which chanced to
stand detached from any other. He ordered his troops to surround
it, that neither he nor Fetnah might escape.

The instant Fetnah saw the soldiers posting in a circle round her
asylum, she concluded that her memorial to the caliph had been
attended with effects very different from what she had expected.
Though not without alarm on her own account, her principal con-,
cern was for Ganera. Her influence with the caliph she trusted
could meet his anger; but to his rage and jealousy, her host, her
deliverer, would certainly fall a sacrifice. She hastily explained
to Ganem the nature of their situation, and without listening to his
desire of staying with her and sharing her fate, she obliged him to
disguise himself like a slave belonging to an eating-house, and put-
ting on his head the dishes they had just eaten their dinner from,
she opened the door and dismissed him.

Giafar was advancing to the house when he met Ganem ; but
being deceived by his appearance, he suffered him to pass without
examination , and the soldiers seeing him go by the grand vizier un-
noticed, gave him way also be got speedily to one of the city gates
and escaped.

When the grand vizier entered the house, he found Fetnah sitting
in a room where were a number of chests full of the money which
Ganera had made of his goods. The minister, in the most gentle
manner, communicated his master's orders to the lady, who de

238 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

dared herself ready to attend him ; but added, that the merchant
to whom she owed her life, had been gone above a month to Da-
)uascu8. She then besought Giafar to preserve the chests which
contained her deliverer's property, which he readily undertook to
do.

The grand vizier having given orders for destroying the house,
conducted Fetnah to the palace, and entering the royal presence
gave the caliph an account of his proceedings. Harouii was so en-
raged when he found the young merchant had escaped, that he re-
fused to see Fetnah; he ordered her to be shut up in the dark tower,
a prison within the walls of the palace, where the attendants of the
caliph \vere punished when they disobliged him, and where he
vowed the unfortunate Fetnah should end her days.

Not sadsfisd with this victim to his fury, the enraged caliph wrote
to his cousin Zinebi, who held the the kingdom of Syria as his trib-
utary, to find out Ganem, if possible, and send him a prisoner to
Bagdad. He ordered his house there to be plundered and then
razed ; and all his nearest relations to be led naked through the
city for three days, after which they were to be banished Damas-
cus : the citizens, also, were forbidden to give them shelter or re-
lief on pain of death.

Zinebi, though he received these orders with great regret, knew
,his duty to the commander of the faithful too well to delay obedi-
ence. He went with a few attendants to Ganem's house, where he
fonnd his mother and sister retired into a dome they had erected at
a tomb for their beloved relation ; of whom, as they had heard
nothing for a long time, they supposed to be dead. Zinebi, having
caused the house to be diligently searched for Ganem, told the ladies
in the most gentle manner, that he had incurred the high displeas-
ure of the caliph, and hinted to them that the resentment of the
commander of the faithful had extended itself to them. This
affectionate mother and her daughter were so rejoiced to hear that
Ganem was alive, that they at first disregarded the severities which
were denounced against them. Ziuebi, moved with their piety,
took off his robe and covered them with it, to protect them from
insult ; he then led them out, and gave the signal for the mob to
plunder. Chests full of wealth, fine Persian and Indian carpets,
and other rich goods were carried off by the rabble ; after which
the^ house was levelled with the ground in the presence of the
afflicted ladies; who, having undergone the first part of their

ENTERTAINMENTS. 239

punishment, were conveyed to the palace, where the queen of
Zinebi treated them with as much tenderness as she durst

The next day, proclamation was made through the city of Damascus
of Ganem's offence, and of the further punishment which the caliph
had ordered to be inflicted on his relations. The citizens heard
these cruel and unjust commands with the highest indignation.
They shut up their houses and shops, and avoided the streets at the
time the unhappy ladies were led through them. Even the officers
executed their duty without rigor, and suffered them to wear a loose
robe of horse-hair which some of their friends had ventured to
provide for them.

The sentence being fulfilled, they were banished the city, and
the inhabitants strictly forbidden to give them any assistance.
Notwithstanding this injunction, they were supplied with apparel
and money by their compassionate neighbors ; and left Damascus,
rejoicing amidst their sufferings, that their beloved was yet alive.

While these matters passed at Damascus, Fctnah continued a close
prisoner in the dark tower, where she ceased not to bewail the fate
of her unfortunate deliverer. One night, as the caliph was return-
ing from an evening perambulation, he passed by the dark tower,
and overheard Fetnah lamenting her situation. She bewailed the
ruin of Ganem, and deprecated the wrath of Heaven upon the
caliph; whom she charged in the mostpointed terms with cruelty,
injustice, and ingratitude.

This accident caused the caliph to recollect himself: He sent
for Fetnah, and caused her to relate to him all that had befallen
her. She dwelt much on the obligations she was under to Ganem.
She praised the respect with which he had always behaved. " I
will not conceal from your majesty," continued she, * that at first
he seemed desirous to devote himself to me ; but as soon as he heard
I had the honor of being acceptable to you, he exclaimed, * That
which belongs to the master is forbidden to the slave.' From that
moment, his behavior was agreeable to such an idea; assiduous, but
distant and respectful. Notwithstanding which, you, commander
of the faithful, know with what rigor you have treated him ; and
you will answer for it before the tribunal of God."

Though Haroun was violent in his passions, and sometimes gave
himself up to their influence too hastily, yet he loved justice, and
when calm ; was open to conviction. He regretted exceedingly tho
severity he had exercised toward Ganem, and was not displeased

240 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

with the frankness of Fetnah. "At least," said the humbled
prince, "I will meet that awful appeal, with having made every
reparation in my power; I will cause his pardon to be published
throughout my dominions, and will amply repay his losses. This
is due to his innocence, and to compensate for the miseries I have
caused Mm apd his family to suffer, I will give you to him for a
wife, and make him wealthy beyond his hopes."

Fetnah returned the caliph thanks for his justice ; after which,
ene was permitted .to return to the apartments which she had for-
merly possessed in the palace ; and she had the satisfaction to find
there all the chests belonging to Ganem ; which the vizier had
taken care to convey thither.

Proclamation was made all over the dominions of the caliph,
declaring the son of Abou Ayoub pardoned, and inviting him to
return to Bagdad, and- receive the bounty of his sovereign ; but a
long time elapsed without any news of the young merchant. Fet-
nah became exceedingly unhappy on his account. Besides using
every means of inquiry in her power, she went from mosque to
mosque, bestowing alms among the devotees, and soliciting their
prayers.

One day, as she was talking with a syndic, to whom she had
given a large sum to be distributed among the afflicted, he chanced
to mention two women whom her bounty had enabled him to re-
lieve when in a state of great distress. He spoke so much in their
praise, that Fetnah had a desire to see them. They were intro-
duced to her ; and she was so taken with their appearance, that
she inquired with great tenderness into the cause of that misery
from which they had been rescued by the good syndic.

"Alas! madam," replied the elder stranger, "a favorite of the
caliph, whose name was Fetnah, is the cause of all our misfor-
tunes." These words were a thunderbolt to the lady, who was
scarce able to suppress her emotion, while the stranger proceeded
with her story, which announced her the mother of Gancm ; and
her fellow-sufferer to be his sister, the lovely Alcolomb.

By the time she had finished her story, Fetnah was in some de-
gree recovered. She embraced the parent of her lover. " I am
that Fetnah," said she, " who caused all your distresses, but I have
it in my power to make you full amends." She then related to
them all that had befallen her and Ganem ; and concluded with
saying, that the caliph was convinced of her son's innocence, and

ENTERTAINMENTS. 241

impatient to repair his wrongs. Having finished hei narrative,
she exchanged embraces with them, and they mutually vowed a
lasting friendship.

When Fetnah was about to withdraw, the syndic recommended
to her benevolence a young man who had been just brought into
his house, and seemed oppressed with sorrow as well as illness.
Fetnah, whose heart was more than ever disposed to pity, by the
affecting interview she had just had, wished to see him. On be-
holding him, laying on his bed, his eyes closed, his face pale and
emaciated, she started, and thought that she discovered amidst all
this wretchedness, the countenance of her beloved Ganem. She
called him so, but the sufferer regarded her not. Grieved and im-
patient, she exclaimed, " How am I deceived ! this cannot be Ga-
nem; the son of Abou Ayoub, however sick, would know the voice
of Fetnah." At that name, Ganem (for it was him) opened his
eyes, and seeing his adored mistress, attempted to speak ; but his
ioy was too great. He sunk into a swoon ; and the condition to
which. Fetnah was reduced, convinced the syndic it was necessary
to remove her from the apartment of his patient.

It was not till several days after, when. Ganem was much re-
covered, that the prudent syndic would suffer another interview
between the lovers. At length he permitted it ; and having prop-
erly prepared each party, he introduced to him also his mother
and his sister. After the transports of their mutual joy had in
some measure subsided, Ganem told them that having escaped to
an inconsiderable village, not far from Bagdad, he had continued
safe among the friendly peasants; but a sickness seizing him,
caused by his grief and perturbation, which none of them could
cure, they had sent him. to Bagdad, by the camel-driver, in whose
hands the syndic had found him.

Ganem's mother then related all that had befallen her and Al-
colomb. Even the presence of his beloved Fetnah could not pre-
vent the young merchant from shedding tears at their sufferings.
He expressed, also, his apprehensions lest they should fall into the
hands of the furious caliph. Fetnah presently removed those fears :
but when she added that the commander of the faithful had de-
termined to resign her to her lover, in compensation for his suffer-
ings, the joy of Ganem was inexpressible.

The caliph was soon informed by Fetnah that the victims of his
former ungovernable rage were in his capital : the generous prince
11

242 ARABIAN NlttHTS*

reioiced that he had at last an opportunity of making them a
reparation. He desired Fetnah to lead the ladies to the palace
privately; but ordered his officers of state to wait on Ganem, and
conduct him to the palace, with all the marks of respect conferred
on persons of the most honorable character.

This ceremony over, Ganem was presented, together with his
mother and sister, to the caliph. That prince had the goodness to
apologize to them for what had passed. He gave Fetnah with his
own hand to her deserving lover. He dismissed Zobeide from his
throne, and banished her his presence, to punish her cruelty and
treachery ; in her room, he received to his arms the lovely Aleo-
lomb, whose beauty was adorned with good qualities still more es-
timable.

THE HISTORY OF PRINCE ZEYN ALASNAM, AND THE KING OF THE

GENII.

A king of Balsora, who possessed great wealth, and was be-
loved by his subjects, had no children, which was a great affliction
to him. He, therefore, made presents to all the holy persons in
his dominions, to engage them to beg of Heaven to grant him a son.
Their prayers proved effectual. The queen was happily delivered
of a prince, who was named Zeyn Alasnam, which signifies, orna-
ment of statues.

The king called all the astrologers of the kingdom to calculate
the infant's nativity. They found he would live long, and be very
brave ; but that all his courage would be little enough to support
him through certain difficulties that threatened him. The king
was not dismayed at this prediction. u My son," said he, " is not
to be pitied, since he will be brave. It is fit that princes should
have a taste of misfortune ; adversity tries virtue, and thence they
become the fitter to reign."

As Zeyn grew up, he discovered a very good disposition ; and
by the care of his father, acquired every accomplishment. He had
nearly attained the age of manhood, when the good old king fell
sick and died,

Zeyn was much afflicted at the death of his father, whom he
sincerely loved ; but time moderating his grief, he began to enjoy
the pleasures of a throne. He entered into all the follies and vices
which so often mislead young men. He was surrounded with
parasites. He lavished his treasures on unworthy favorites, on

ENTERTAINMENTS. 243

whom he bestowed also the fir jt aj poiutments in his kingdom ;
and they at once oppressed and insulted his people.

From this delusion he was awakened by two circumstances alike
distressing and disgraceful. He found his treasures dissipated, and
his subjects ripe for a revolt. By dismissing his worthless com-
panions, and wholly reforming his conduct, he appeased his people ;
but the waste of his wealth could not be recalled ; and the recol-
lection of his prodigality, rendered him very unhappy.

While these thoughts had possession of his mind, he dreamt
one night, that a venerable old man came toward him, and said,
" You know, Zeyn, that joy and sorrow generally succeed each
other. If you would put an end to your present affliction, get up ;
set out for Egypt, and go to Grand Cairo ; a greater fortune at-
tends you there, than you have lately dissipated."

The prince, when he aw T oke in the morning, reflected on his
dreams very seriously. He resolved at length to set out for Cairo.
This determination made it necessary to commit the government
of the kingdom to his mother, who tried in vain, by serious argu-
ment and by ridicule, to stop his journey on so chimerical a busi-
ness ; but the appearance of the old man had made so great an
impression on Zeyn ; that he was fully persuaded his dream was
supernatural. Having therefore disposed of his affairs, he set out
one night, very privately, and took the road to Cairo, without suf-
fering any person to attend him.

After much fatigue he arrived at that famous city. Being
spent with weariness, he lay down at the gate of a mosque, and
fell asleep ; when he saw the same old man who said to him, " I
am well pleased, my son, that you have given credit to my words.
I have put you on this long journey to try if you had resolution.
I find you deserve I should make you the richest man in the wor Id.
Return to Balsora, and you shall find immense wealth in your
palace "

The prince was not well pleased with this dream. He deter-
mined to return immediately, and rejoiced that he had kept his
journey a secret from everybody but the queen, his mother.
"When he arrived at his palace, that discreet princess did not re-
prove or laugh at him, but rather consoled him under his disap-
pointment ; and advised him to abstain from all excesses in future,
and turn his thoughts to the good order of his kingdom, and the
happiness of his subjects.

244 ARABIAN NIGHTS

Zeyn was much relieved by this conversation. He retired to
rest ; when he again saw the old man in a dream, who said to
him, " The time of your prosperity is now come, brave Zeyn. As
soon as you rise in the morning take a pick-axe, and dig in your
father's closet; you will there find immense treasure."

In the morning he hastened to the queen's apartment, and with

much earnestness told her his new dream. His mother, finding he

again placed confidence in the vision, laughed at him. " Go," said

she, " search your father's closet diligently ; one comfort is, that

! work is not so toilsome as a journey to Egypt."

The young man withdrew, abashed. He went, notwithstanding
to the late king's closet, and shutting himself in, removed the
pavement. He proceeded to dig till he not only fatigued himself,
but began to despair ; when he discovered a stone, and under it a
door, which covered a staircase of white marble. He descended
into a room, in each corner of which there stood ten large urns of
porphyry stone. The prince supposed they were full of wine, but
on examining them, was agreeably surprised to find they all con-
tained gold coin ; a handful of which he carried to the queen.

That princess was astonished at this account. Zeyn conducted
her to the chamber where the urns were ; and as she was observ-
ing everything with attention, she espied a very small urn of the
same stone, which the prince had not taken notice of. On search-
ing it, they found only a small gold key. " My son," said the
queen, " this key certainly will lead us to some other treasure.
Let us look about; perhaps we may discover the use it is de-
signed for."

After a diligent search, they discovered a key-hole in one of
the panels of the wainscot. Zeyn tried the key, which opened a
door that led to another chamber, in which were nine pedestals of
massy gold. On eight of these stood statues as large as life, each
formed of an entire diamond, of the most admirable workmanship.
The ninth pedestal redoubled their amazement. It was covered
with a piece of white satin, on which were these words : ''My son,
it caused me much toil to get these statues ; they are, as you see,
exquisitely beautiful, and of immense value. But know, there is
a ninth which surpasses them all that alone, is worth a thousand
such as these. Would you obtain this inestimable jewel, go to
Cairo ; and submit yourself to the instruction of an old slave of
mine, named Morabec, whom you will find without difficulty "

ENTERTAINMENTS. 245

Zeyn instantly declared his intention of going in search of this
jewel, and the queen uow applauded his determination. Having
secured the treasure they had found, the prince made ready his
equipage ; and attended by a few slaves, set off for Cairo.

He soon found Morabec, who lived in great splendor. Zeyn re-
lated to him all that had befallen him which, when Morabec
had heard, he fell at his feet. " I am convinced," said he, " from
your account that you are the son of my royal master; and as I
never received my freedom from him, I, and all that I possess are
yours." "I now," replied Zeyn, " give you your freedom, and re-
nounce all right to your wealth. I ask in return, that you will
zealously assist me till I have gained the ninth statue."

Morabec gratefully acknowledged the prince's generosity, and
promised to attend him. " The enterprise," said he, " will abound
with danger and fatigue. Repose yourself here for some time,
and \ve will then undertake it.' 7 Zeyn reluctantly complied, but
after a very little while he became impatient. " I came not to
Cairo," said he, to his friends, " to indulge myself in rest and
amusements: but to obtain the ninth statue." Morabec praised
his spirited disposition, and ordered a proper equipage to be got
ready; the prince and he then performed an ablution, and the
prayer which is called Farz ; after which they set out.

After several days' travelling they arrived at a delicious grove,
where Morabec caused the whole company to alight. Zeyn and
he delivered their horses to the care of their attendants, whom they
ordered to await their return. They set forward on foot, and as
they proceeded, Morabec cautioned the prince to call forth all his
courage. u We are now," said he " approaching the dreadful place
where the ninth statue is kept, and shall very soon come to a
lake. "When we draw near the banks of it, you will see a boat
approach, which is enchanted, and belongs to the king of the genii.
We shall be taken into this boat, and ferried over the lake ; but
you must be careful not to express the least fear at the sight of
the waterman, however hideous he may be, nor must you utter a
single word while we are embarked, or the boat will instantly
sink."

Zeyn promised an exact obedience to these injunctions. They
presently came to the lake, and found the boat ready to receive
them. It was made of red sanders, had a mast of amber, and a
satin flag ; but the waterman was monstrous and terrible. He

246 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

had the head of an elephant, and the body of a tiger. Zeyn drevf
near with great intrepidity. He lifted the prince first, and then
Morabec into his boat with his trunk conveyed them over the
lake in a moment \ and putting them on shore in the same man-
ner, immediately vanished.

" Now," said Morabec, " we may talk ; I congratulate you on that
fortitude and self-command, which you have displayed, and for
which you will soon have still greater occasion. We are now on
an island which belongs to the king of the genii. Look around
you, and enjoy, as we go forward, the surpassing. beauties of this
delightful place." Zeyn saw with admiration the enchanting
prospect. The fields were finely disposed, and adorned with all
sorts of odoriferous plants and flowers j the trees were laden with
the most delicious fruit ; the air was uncommonly soft and pleas-
ant and the harmonious songs of numberless birds, many of
which were peculiar to that island, enlivened the beautiful scenes
around them. The prince, though very greatly pleased with
what he beheld, urged his companion to hasten forward on the
great business they had undertaken.

At length they came to a palace built of emeralds ; before the
gate, vthich was of massy gold, there stood a company of genii, who
guarded the entrance with clubs of China steel. The sight of these
terrific sentinels did not in the least check the ardor of the prince ;
he was pressing forward, when Morabec caught him by the hand,
and told him that something more than human virtues or talents
was now necessary. He then drew from a purse four long stripes
of yellow taffety ; one he put about his middle and the other on his
back, giving the remaining two to the prince, who did the same
with them. Morabec then spread two large cloths on the ground,
and sprinkling the borders of them with precious stones, musk, and
amber, he seated himself in the midst of one of them, and directed
Zeyn tc place himself in the same manner on the other. " I will
now," said he, < conjure the king of the genii, who lives in the pal-
ace before us, that he may come to us peaceably. 1 am not with-
out apprehension as to the reception he may choose to give us. If
our coming here is displeasing to him, he will appear in the shape
of a horrible monster ; in which case you must sit still and keep an
entire silence, not suffering the least sound to escape you. If he is
favorably disposed toward us, he wiL come in the shape of a hand-
eon] 9 young man. You will then, as soon as he appears, rise and

ENTERTAINMENTS. 247

salute him with all possible respect, and tell him the business which
brings you hither. But take especial care not to step off your cloth,
or you will certainly perish."

Morabec, having thus instructed the prince, began his conjura-
tion. Immediately their eyes were dazzled with a flash of light-
ning, which was followed by most tremendous thunder; the whole
island was covered with a hideous darkness ; a storm of wind blew ;
a dreadful cry was heard : and the island was shaken by an earth-
quake, such as Asrayel is to cause on the day of judgment.

The steady soul of the prince was a little startled at these awful
appearances, which he began to consider as very ill omens. Mora-
bee perceived what passed in his mind, and assured him that all
was well. At that instant the king of the genii appeared, as a very
handsome man, yet there was a sternness in his air.

As soon as Prince Zeyn had paid his compliments and related
what he came in search of, the king of the genii, smiling, answered :
" My son, I loved your fathei^ and have no less kindness for you.
The statues you found were presented to him by me; and I prom-
ised him to receive you into my protection. I caused him to write,
a few days before he died, that which you read on the piece of
white satin. I appeared to you in your dreams as an old man and
have been the cause of all that hath happened to you. I intend to
give you what you seek, if you prove worthy of it ; and the test
must be this. You must engage on your oath to find out a maid
in her fifteenth year, who has never known man, or desired to do
so. She must be perfectly beautiful ; and you so much master of
yourself, as not even to wish to deprive me of her, but you must
yourself conduct her hither.' 7

Prince Zeyn took without hesitation the oath that was required
of him. il But, sir," said he, u how shall I know when I have met
with such a maid ?" ' It is true," replied the king of the genii,
" that knowledge is above the sons of Adam. Take therefore thia
looking-glass ; if, on the maid looking at it, it appears sullied, it
will be a certain sign that she has not been always undefiled, or, at
least, that she has wished to cease being so. You have now a cer-
tain criterion. Be diligent in your search, and forget not the oath
you have taktn ; but fulfil it, as becomes a man of honor."

The king of the genii having delivered the mirror to Zeyn, gave
him and Morabec permission to depart. They returned to the
lake; the waterman with the elephant's head brought his boat and

218 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ferried them over; they joined their servants and returned tc
Cairo.

When the prince had rested a few days, he began to apply him-
self diligently to perform his engagement with the king of the geuii.
By the assistance of an intriguing old woman, whom Morabec in-
troduced to him, Zeyn obtained access to all the beautiful young
women in the court and city of Cairo. He saw many of the most
exquisite beauty; but when he consulted his mirror, the fatal touch-
stone of their virtue, it always appeared sullied.

Zeyn, thus disappointed, resolved to seek elsewhere for that I
purity which was not to be found in Cairo. He travelled to Bag-
dad, attended by Morabec ; and as he wished to be much known,
to forward his inquiries, took a handsome palace, and lived in
splendor.

There resided in that quarter of the city an imam, whose name
was Boubekir, a vain, haughty, envious old man; he hated the
rich only because he was poor ; and under the appearance of an
austere and rigid virtue he indulged his ill-nature in railing at the
luxury of those who were in prosperous circumstances. By this
hypocrisy, and by often haranging the people, when in the mosque,
he had acquired considerable influence, which he used with much
art, to gratify the malignity of his disposition.

The magnificence of Prince Zeyn soon rendered him obnoxious
to the imam, which was increased by the prince taking no notice of
him. Boubekir took an opportunity of addressing the people one
evening after prayers ; and by sly insinuations, and charges half-
suppressed, he irritated them against the spendthrift stranger as
he called him. He hinted the necessity of giving notice to the
council of Zeyn's manner of living, lest, if anything should be
proved against him, the caliph should be displeased with their in-
attention. In short, he so cajoled the assembly, that they agreed
to present a memorial against Zeyn to the council; and gave
directions to Boubekir to prepare it.

Fortunately, Morabec was at prayers, and remained unnoticed
among the crowd ; he heard all that passed. He immediately
hastened home ; and putting five hundred pieces of gold into a
purse, he went to the house of the imam. Boubekir received him
with his usual austerity, and surlily asked what he wanted. < ; Doc-
tor,"^ replied Morabec, with an obliging air, and at the same time
putting the purse into his hand, "I am your neighbor and your

ENTERTAINMENTS. 249

servant ; I come from Prince Zeyn } who lives just by ; he has
heard of your worth, and desires the pleasure of your acquaint-
ance." As soon as the purse reached the hand of the imam, his
rigor melted away. " Be pleased, sir, ;; said he, 4i to beg the prince's
pardon for me ; I am ashamed I have not yet been to wait on him,
but I will atone for that fault to-morrow."

Next day, after morning prayer, Boubekir said to the assembly,
u You know, brethren, that no man is without enemies ; and that
envy always pursues the fortunate and meritorious. The stranger
I spoke to you about yesterday, is no ill man, as some malicious
people would have -persuaded me, but a young prince, possessed of
many virtues. It would be dangerous as well as indecent, for us
to make a bad report of him to the caliph."

Boubekir having thus done away the unfavorable impression he
had himself made on the people concerning Zeyn, waited on the
prince, who gave him a courteous reception. Morabec, judging
that such a busy man was likely to know the character of his
fellow-citizens, advised Zeyn to acquaint the imam with the search
he was making ; nor was he mistaken. When Boubekir heard the
relation, he cried out, that tl if there was such a virgin in the world,
he knew her." In fact, the imam now became Zeyn's zealous ad-
herent, introduced the prince to a young lady, the daughter of
a vizier, whose beauty astonished the young king of Balsora ; and,
on pulling out his mirror, to try if the maid was as chaste as fair,
he had the satisfaction to find it remained unsullied.

Zeyn having at last succeeded in his difficult, search, demanded
the young lady of her father in marriage. The vizier gladly con-
sented and the nuptials were celebrated with splendor. Zeyn
loaded his new father-in-law with the most costly presents ; nor
was Boubekir forgotten. When the company were dismissed,
Morabec advised his master to set out immediately for Cairo, and
to proceed with all diligence to the island of the king of the genii.

Zeyn did not listen to this advice with his usual complacency.
Morabec found him strangely balancing whether he should keep
his engagement with that king, or conduct his charming bride to
Balsora in defiance of him. In vain Morabec pleaded the value of
the ninth statue, which would reward his fidelity : in vain he de-
scribed the power of the king, and cautioned the prince to dread
the consequence of his disobedience. The charms of the lovely
virgin had taken too full possession of his heart for him to be

11*

250 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

allured by avarice, or intimidated by danger; and the thought ol
sacrificing her to a genie, oppressed him with grief and indignation.
But to the call of honor, and to the sanctity of an oath, Zeyn
could not refuse to listen. Morabec pointed out these obligations,
and adjured the prince to subdue his passions, and fulfil his engage-
ment. " Well, then/' 7 exclaimed he, " I yield to these cruel obliga-
tions ; let us set out with all haste for this fatal island ; and do
you conceal the lovely maid from my sight. Perhaps I have
already seen too much of her.' 7

They set out accordingly, Zeyn carefully refraining from the
sight of his bride all the way. On their arrival at the island, it
became necessary to acquaint the young lady with her destination.
The grief and despair she expressed, on receiving the information,
was a new and severe trial of the priuce 7 s fortitude. He per-
severed, notwithstanding, and presented her to the king of the
genii. The sovereign of spirits, having gazed at her for some time
very earnestly, ordered his attendants to convey her into the castle,
and turning to Zeyn, who could scarcely conceal his distress, the
king commended his integrity and resolution. " I am,' ; said he,
" fully satisfied with your behavior. Return to your dominions;
and when you enter the subterraneous room, where the eight statues
are, you shall find the ninth, which I promised you. 77

Zeyn coldly thanked the king of the genii ; and having taken
leave of him, returned to Balsora. He approached his capital,
overwhelmed with affliction for the loss of his bride ; and unceas.
iugly condemning himself for having been the cause of her mis-
fortune.

On his arrival, he went directly to give his mother an account
of his journey. She was in raptures to hear he had obtained the
ninth statue. " Let us go, my son, 77 said she, " and see it imme-
diately ; no doubt it is already in the chamber underground, since
the king of the genii promised you should find it there. 77

Though Zeyn's desire of possessing the ninth statue was much
abated, or rather forgotten, through his excessive grief, yet he had
too much respect for his mother to delay attending her to the sub-
terraneous apartment ; but how great was their wonder, when,
instead of a diamond statue, they found on the ninth pedestal a
most beautiful virgin, whom the prince knew to be the same he
had conducted to the island of the genii. Before they could re-
cover their surprise, a loud clap of thunder shook the palace, and
the king of the genii appeared before them.

ENT E UTA INM KNTS . 251

Zeyn's mother was much terrified, but the king soon dispelled
her fear. il Madam," said he to her, " I protect and love your son ;
yet it was proper I should try whether he deserved my partiality,
before I gave him the best gift in my power. I had the pleasure
to find him possessed of many and great virtues ; and though I
knew he did not punctually keep his word with me, I am too well
acquainted with the frailty of human nature to wonder that the
charms of this beautiful virgin made him waver in his fidelity."
Then turning to the prince, he said, " Live happy, Zeyn, with this
young lady, who is your wife ; love her, and her only, and I will
be answerable for her fidelity. This this is the ninth statue,
which I designed for you, and it is infinitely more precious than all
the rest ; for be assured, there is nothing on earth to be compared
with a virtuous and lovely woman."

THE HISTORY OF CODADAD AND HIS BROTHERS.

There reigned formerly in the city of Harran, a king called
Zaphnah. He was beloved by his subjects, and wanted nothing to
complete his happiness but an heir. Though he had many of the
finest women in his seraglio, yet he was destitute of children.
He continually prayed to Heaven for them, and one night the
prophet appeared to him in his sleep and said, " Zaphnah, thy
prayers are heard, and thou hast obtained thy desires. Go into
thy garden when thou wakest ; gather a pomegranate, and eat as
many seeds as thou choosest, and thy wishes shall be accomplished.

In the morning, the king obeyed these directions. Having re-
turned thanks to Heaven, he went into the garden, where he took
fifty pomegranate seeds, which he counted and ate. Zaphnah had
fifty wives, who all of them shortly after proved with child, though
one of them, named Pirouze, showed no appearance of it. The
king was so disgusted with her on this account, that he deter-
mined to put her to death. But his vizier, who had great influ-
ence over him, and was very humane, interceded so strongly for
her, that Zaphnah suffered himself to be overcome. " Her barren-
ness," said he, " is a mark of the displeasure of Heaven. Let her
live but let her depart my court. My cousin, the prince of Sa-
maria, shall receive her. If she is with child, let me know it on
her delivery ; if got, let me never hear her name again."

Pirouze was sent accordingly to the court of Samaria. In due
time, the other nine-and-forty ladies were each delivered of ft

252 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

prince, and while Zuphnah was rejoicing at these events, news ar
rived that Pirouze had also produced a son, whose beauty the
prince of Samaria praised in the highest terms.

Though Zaphnah was much pleased at the birth of his fiftieth
eon, yet being ashamed of the severity with which he had treated
his mother, he determined not to recall her to Harran. He sent her
compliments of congratulation ; but at the same time, desired his
cousin would give the child the name of Codadad, and carefully
superintend his education; sufficiently showing by these orders
that he did not intend soon to recall Pirouze and her son to his
court.

The prince of Samaria performed his office with the greatest
attention. Codadad, under his tuition, became one of the most
accomplished of princes. As he grew up, he began to be impa-
tient to visit his father's court, and finding, when he had reached
his eighteenth year, that Zaphnah expressed no desire to see him,
he threw himself at his mother's feet, and besought her permis-
sion to go to Harran. " I will present myself," said he, " to my
royal father, without discovering myself to him. I will offer him
my services ; possibly I may be so fortunate as to merit his esteem;
and he will then receive me as his son without reluctance.''

Pirouze approved of his resolution, and Codadad left Samaria
accordingly. When he arrived at the city of Harran, he offered
his services to the king. Zaphnah, struck with his appearance,
and perhaps moved by a natural sympathy in his favor readily ac-
cepted of them. It was not long before Codadad had an oppor-
tunity to signalize his bravery in such a manner, as to gain the
high approbation of the king, and the applause of the whole
army; nor were his other talents less conspicuous. Zaphnah's
affection for him increased daily. He admired his discourse, ever
full of wit and wisdom ; and at length, to show how much he ap-
proved of his admirable talents, he appointed the young stranger
governor of his forty-nine sons, though he was apparently of the
same age with themselves.

The princes had before seen, with a jealous eye, the progress
Codadad daily made in their father's favor This appointment in.
creased their envy and hatred. T^hey received him with the ap.
pearance of respect, but had already planned his destruction.

After a few days they came together to th'eir new governor,
and requested his permission to take a day's hunting ; resolving

ENTERTAINMENTS. 253

to go to some other city, and stay there, in hope that their father
would revenge their supposed loss on his new favorite, and put
him to death. Codadad granted their request; but was much
surprised to find that none of them returned in the evening. His
alarm increased when the next day and the day following passed,
and the princes still continued absent. On the fourth day the
king inquired of Codadad where his sons were, and why he had
not seen them for several days. The unfortunate governor was
obliged to tell the truth. Zaphnah, as the princes had foreseen,
was exceedingly enraged. tl Is it thus, indiscreet stranger," said
he, lt that you begin to discharge the important trust I have com-
mitted to you ? Go, find my sons immediately, or expect to feel
the utmost weight of my resentment."

Codadad, though much afflicted, thought himself fortunate to
have escaped so well out of the king's presence. He went home,
and having armed himself, and put on the disguise of a shepherd,
he left the city, and set forward in search of his brothers.

After many days spent in vain, he arrived at a plain of great
extent, in the middle of which was a palace of black marble.
When he drew near, he saw at one of the windows a most beau-
tiful lady, who was evidently in great affliction. As soon as she
saw him, she called out, saying, " Alas, young man ! get away as
fast as possible from this fatal place, or you will fall into the
hands of the monster who inhabits it. A cruel black giant, who
feeds chiefly on human flesh, resides in this palace : he seizes on
all persons whose ill fortune conducts them to this plain, and
shuts them up in his dark dungeon ; whence they are never let
out, but to be devoured by him."

Codadad was very anxious to know who his fair informer was,
and whether he could not release her out of the castle. ll I fell
into the hands of this barbarian yesterday only," replied she.
" He destroyed my servants, but saved me, I fear, for a more
dreadful fate. You, generous stranger, can yield me no assistance.
Fly with all speed ; the monster is not far ofl 7 ; and you will bo
fortunate if your utmost haste can save you."

She had scarce uttered these words, when the black appeared.
He was a man of enormous size and dreadful aspect, mounted on
a mighty Tartar horse, and wore such a large and weighty scime-
tar, that no one but himself could use it. The prince was a good
deal startled at his appearance, but drew his sciraetar, and stood

254 ARABIAN SIGHTS

noon his defence. The giant, despising so weak an adversary,
called out to him to surrender, with a mixture of real scorn and
affected gentleness but Codadad soon convinced him he was no
despicable enemy ; for running briskly up to him. he gave him a
violent cut on the knee. The black, feeling himself wounded gave
such a dreadful shriek, as made all the plain resound. He grew
enraged, foamed at the mouth, and raising himself in his stirrups,
struck at Codadad with his dreadful scimetar, which must have
destroyed him, if he had not with great dexterity avoidefl it. The
scimetar made a great hissing in the air ; but before the giant
could recover himself, the prince aimed a noble blow at his right
arm, and cut it off. The scimetar fell with the hand that held it ;
and the giant losing his seat through the extremity of the pain,
made the earth quake with his fall. Codadad ran up to him, and
completed the victory by chopping off his enemy's head. The
lady, who had been a spectator of the combat, seeing the giant
destroyed, gave a shout for joy ; and then called out to the con-
queror to search the pockets of the slain, and secure the keys of
the castle.

Codadad having followed her advice, opened the first door,
where the lady met him, and would have embraced his knees for
her deliverance, but he prevented her. He had now leisure to
contemplate her beauty ; and was rejoiced that he had been able
to do so essential a service to so lovely a woman. Their conver-
sation was interrupted by dismal cries and groans. Codadad
looked round to find whence they proceeded, when the lady point-
ing to a little door, said, u There is the place where a number of
unhappy men are confined, who were destined for the food of
the cruel wretch you have destroyed. Every day he drew out
one to be devoured." " It is an addition to my joy,' ; replied the
prince. " that I am the means of saving so many unfortunate per-
sons from such a dreadful end. Come with me, madam, and share
in the pleasure of giving them their liberty."

Codadad went accordingly to the little door, when the prince
put a key into the lock, which proved to be a wrong one. All
the prisoners, supposing it was the giant, sent forth groans and
lamentations. Codadad made haste to change the key, and having
opened the door, descended among them. He began to unchain
those who were nearest to him, and made them understand that he
had slain their enemy, and was come to set them free. As the
report spread among the prisoners, shouts of a very different na-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 2o5

tare rent the cavern. Those first unchained set free others, and in
a very little time they were all at liberty ; and, leaving the dun-
geon, ascended joyfully to light and life.

When they were come into the court, they returned thanks to
their deliverer, in terms becoming those who had received so great
a benefit. Codadad's joy was unbounded, when he found among
the prisoners the nine-and-forty princes, his brothers. He em-
braced them with the sincerest affection; not without anxiety till
he found every one of them was safe ; and they on their part gave
their deli-verer all the praises he deserved.

The slaves of the giant, when they found their master was slain,
fled away through by-paths, known only to themselves. Cododad
found the castle filled with the wealth the giant had plundered
from the caravans. All this treasure he divided among the pris-
oners, who found horses and camels in the stables sufficient to
carry away the merchandise ; and having again returned thanks
to their generous benefactor, every man set forward on his re-
turn home.

When they were gone, Codadad asked the lady what place she
designed to go to ; offering to conduct her wherever she chose. il I
am," replied she, "of a country far remote hence; and must own
to you I have left that country forever. After the obligations I
owe you, sir," addressing herself to Codadad, " I will not conceal
my situation from you. I am a king's daughter. A usurper has
possessed himself of my father's throne, after having murdered
him; and I have been forced to fly for my life."

THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR.

" There is, in a certain island, a great city called Deryabar. It
was long governed by a potent and virtuous king, whose daugh-
ter I am.

" Not many years after my birth as he was hunting, he espied a
wild ass which he chased. Being an eager sportsman, he outrode
his company, and pursued his game alone till night drew on. He
then alighted, and took shelter at the edge of a wood. When it
became dark he discovered a fire at some distance among the trees,
which made him conclude some village was not far off. But he
found the light proceeded from a large fire, kindled in an open
hat, in which sat a dreadful giant. He had a large pitcher of win*
before him, and was roasting a bullock wh^le, from wnich he now

256 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

and then cut slices to eat them. In another part of the hut thera
sat a beautiful woman, seemingly absorbed in grief; her hands
were bound, and at her feet lay a child of two or three years
old

* My father contemplated this scene with indignation ; but the
giant was evidently too powerful to be coped with by him alone,
and no other means of delivering the prisoners occurred to him at
that moment. While he meditated on these matters, the giant
having emptied the pitcher, and devoured about half of the bul-
lock, turned to the woman, and said, ' Why will you, beautiful
princess, oblige me to treat you with so much severity ? It is in
your power to be happy. If you will but receive and return my

love, I will ' ' Hideous satyr !' interrupted the lady, < I shall

never cease to abhor you. You will always be a monster in my
eyes.' She added so many reproaches that the giant grew enraged.
' This is too much,' cried he in a furious tone ; l your hatred, madam,
has produced mine. I will no longer solicit your favors, but will
punish your insults by depriving you of life.' Having said this,
he drew his scimitar, and would undoubtedly have put his threats
in execution, if my father had not let fly an arrow, which^ pierced
the giant's breast, so that he dropped down dead.

" My father entered the hut, and unbound the lady's hands ;
who returned him abundant "thanks for his timely deliverance. In
anbwer to his inquiries, she told him that she was the wife of a
captain of a band of Saracens, who inhabited the seacoast. * This
wretch,' continued she, ' was one of his principal officers. He
fell desperately in love with me, which he took care to conceal,
till an opportunity offered a few days ago to seize me and my child.
To avoid pursuit, he penetrated far into the country ; and though
he ceased not continual solicitations, yet he never offered me any
violence till this moment, when it pleased Heaven to deliver me
from him by your means.'

" My father said everything in his power to comfort the lady.
The next day, being fortunately joined by some of his retinue, he
conducted her and her child to the court of Deryabar. He imme-
diately sent a messenger to the country of the Saracens, to ac
quaint the captain that his wife and her son were in safety. This
messenger staying longer than was expected, several others were
despatched at different times ; but none of them ever returned.
My father, therefore determined, to send no more ; but to bring up

ENTERTAINMENTS. 257

the boy with care, and take the lady unt . his protection ; with
which she was well satisfied.

" That boy, that ungrateful viper, was the cause of all my mis
fortunes. As we were near of an age, and my father always
showed great kindness to him, he took it into his head, when he
arrived at manhood, that his protector intended to give me to him
for a wife. For a while he waited in hope his patron would meet
his wishes ; during which time he took pains to ingratiate himself
with all ranks of people ; and when he found that he had formed
to himself a considerable party, and that my father talked of giv-
ing me to a neighboring prince, he threw off the mask, and boldly
demanded my hand in marriage.

" My father, who was now grown old, restrained his indignation
at the young man's insolence, and contented himself with giving
him a %t denial. The vain fellow forgot his obligations to his
preserver. He considered this refusal as a mortal affront, and
giving way to his indignation, he determined on revenge. He put
himself on a sudden at the head of his partisans ; cruelly murdered
bis venerable benefactor, and caused himself to be proclaimed
king of Deryabur. His next care was to have seized me ; but the
grand vizier, a faithful old servant, finding it impossible to make
head against the usurper, hurried me from the palace on board a
ship that was ready to sail, and delivered me out of his hands.

" The grand vizier intended to have carried me to the court of
the prince who was to have been my husband, not doubting but
he would be easily excited to expel the traitor, and revenge my
father's death. But Providence did not grant success to a resolu-
tion we thought so just. A violent storm drove our ship about
for many days. At last she bilged on a rock. In the horror of
my situation I lost my senses, and I can only tell you, that when I
recovered I found myself thrown on the shore, on a part of the
wreck. Every one else on board, I have no doubt, perished in
the sea."

*' In this situation I was found by the king of the country, who
chanced to be riding that way. Every assistance was given to me,
.and when I had recovered, and related my story, the king, who
was much taken with mo, fr-mkly offered to make mo amends foi
the throne I had lost by sharing his own with me.

li The king was young and amiable ; and though my illness and
affliction had prevented my having received any great impression

258 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

from him, gratitude compelled me to accept his offer. Prepara-
tions were making for our nuptials, when, in the midst of this joy-
ful bustle, a neighboring prince made a descent by night upon the
island, and threw everybody into confusion. The king ordered
his troops to be got together, intending to put himself at their
head : but being anxious for my preservation, he hastened first
with me into a boat," intending to land me on a small island adjoin-
ing, and to return immediately. Unfortunately the current and
the wind set strongly from the shore, so that in short time we
were, driven out to sea, without hope of recovering the island.

" In this distress we thought ourselves fortunate when we espied
a ship coming toward us but we soon found our mistake. The
crew consisted of a dozen armed pirates. They bound the king in
a chain, and then being attracted by my youth and beauty, each
claimed me for himself. The dispute ran so high, that they pro-
ceeded to blows. They fought till only one remained alive, who,
having thrown overboard the dead bodies of his companions, came
up to me and said, 'You are now mine; be not alarmed. I have no
design to take any liberties with your person, which I here vow to
hold sacred. 7

" I was greatly rejoiced at this unexpected declaration. Ah,
sir/ said I, complete your generosity by unbinding my husband
and setting us on shore. 7 I was about to have declared who he was>
but the pirate, rising hastily, caught hold of the prince, and threw
him, bound as he was, into the sea.

" At this terrible event I swooned away ; and when I recovered
would have jumped overboard after the prince, if the pirate had not
prevented me. He then explained to me the motive of that prom-
ise which I had so unfortunately attributed to virtue and honor.
1 1 intend, 7 said he, ' to take you to Cairo, and present you to a great
einir, my patron, to whom I have long promised a beautiful female
slave. Have I not then acted kindly by your husband ? would not
his affliction have been insupportable to have seen you in the arms
of my friend ? 7

' Expostulation was in vain. I had only to comfort myself that
his attachment to his patron secured me from personal insult. We
landed soon after ; the pirate purchased camels and slaves, and set
off with me for Cairo.

tl We had been several days on the road, when yesterday, as we
were crossing this plain, the black giant whom you have just slain

ENTERTAINMENTS. 259

eurprised us. Having destroyed the pirate and his slaves, he brought
rne to his castle and invited me to receive his embraces ; but finding
me more dead than alive from terror, he desisted from his entreat-
ies, arid gave me till this evening to reconcile myself to his propo-
sal. Fortunately for me, you, gallant prince, have extricated me
from a situation worse than death."

When the princess had ended the recital of her adventures, the
princes all joined in condoling her misfortunes, and Codadad of-
fered to receive her as his wife. The princess had not seen him
with indifference; she accepted his proposal; and as the palace of
the giant abounded with every necessary, they reposed themselves
there for several days ; after which, they set out for the court of
Zaphnah.

When they were within one day's journey of Harran, and had
halted for the evening, Codadad called the princes together, and
paid, '* I have too long concealed from you who I am. Behold your
brother Codadad, the son of Pirouze !' 7 Having said this, he em-
braced them all, and each of them expressed much satisfaction at
the discovery; but very different were the sentiments of these un-
worthy and unnatural brothers. At night, when Codadad and the
princess were retired to rest, they met together, and one of them
addressing the rest, said, tl You remember how much our father
preferred and cherished this dangerous rival of ours, even while
he thought him a stranger ; what must we expect now, when he
proves to be our brother ? what, when he can boast of having de-
stroyed a giant, whom all of us together were forced to submit to ?
will not the very relief he gave us become an argument to prefer
him before us all ?" These considerations had occurred to every
one of them. They went to the tent of Codadad, who was fast
asleep, and stabbed him in a thousand places; after which they
pursued their journey to Harran, where they arrived the next day,
and were joyfully received by their father, who had despaired of
ever seeing them again.

Codadad, meantime, lay in his tent without any signs of life.
The princess concluded he was dead, and rent the air with her
cries, lamenting the fate of her husband and deliverer ; and ad-
juring the vengeance of Heaven on his murderers. After much
and vehement sorrow, she cast her eyes on Codadad, and perceived
that he breathed a little. It was morning, and she saw a large
town at a distance. As she had no slave, she determined to leave

260 ARABIAN NIGHTS

her husband, and hasten thither for assistance. She returned to
the tent with a surgeon ; but when they arrived there they could
not find Codadad. They concluded he had been devoured by some
wild beasts. The princess was inconsolable. The surgeon took
pity on her, and conducted her to his own house, where, though
he knew not her rank, he treated her with all imaginable respect.

When she was a little composed, she related to her host all that
had befallen her. When she had finished her story, " You do not
well, madam," said the surgeon, " to give way thus to an unavail-
ing sorrow. You ow r e more to the memory of your princely hus-
band. It is your duty to revenge him. Let me attend you as
your squire to the king of Harran's court ; nor fear but he will
do you justice.' 7

The princess of Deryabar, roused by these considerations from
a torpid sorrow, followed the advice of her host; and attended
by him, arrived at the city of Harran. The surgeon lodged the
princess in a caravansera ; and went out to inquire diligently after
news. lie learnt that Pirouze, not hearing of her son, had left
Samaria, and come to Harran in search of him. That the king,
before her arrival, had concluded that Codadad had fled to some
other country, to escape his resentment ; but when he knew from
Pirouze that the gallant and accomplished stranger was his other
son, he had caused diligent inquiry to be made after him in all the
adjoining kingdoms ; and had ordered public prayers to bo put
up in all the mosques, for the safe and speedy return of his son.

Pirouze regularly attended these devotions, and gave alms at the
principal mosque. The surgeon, having become acquainted with
these particulars, went the next day to the mosque ; and stepping
up to one of her slaves, he whispered, *' Brother, I have a secret
of moment to impart to the Princess Pirouze; may not I by your
assistance be brought to her apartment ?''* The slave no sooner
learnt that this secret related to Codadad, than he entreated the
surgeon to return with him to the palace ; and as soon as they
arrived there, he introduced him to Pirouze. He related to her
'everything he had been told by the princess of Deryabar, and told
her where that lady was to be found. When the surgeon was
withdrawn, Pirouze and her attendants resigned themselves to grief
for the unhappy fhte of Codadad. In the midst of this distress,
Zaphnah entered her apartments. Pirouze, with many himenUi-
tions, repeated the surgeon's account. It was too circumstantial

ENTERTAINMENTS. 261

for the king to doubt its truth. Having condoled with the unhappy
mother on their mutual loss, he withdrew, not more oppressed
with sorrow than shaken with indignation.

It was the hour of public audience. Zaphnah entered the coun-
cil-chamber with so much an<ier in his countenance, that the
courtiers and people who attended him with petitions, were alarmed.
Every man's heart failed him for fear. Having ascended the
throne, the king called for the grand vizier. " Take," said he,
11 this instant, a thousand of my guards, and seize all the princes*
my sons ; shut them up in the tower appointed for murderers ; see
that not one of them escape." All who were present trembled at
this strange command. The vizier laid his hand upon his head to
express his obedience, and withdrew to execute his orders. The
king then dismissed the assembly with a declaration that he would
do no business for a month to come.

The grand vizier having secured the princes, was directed by
his master to conduct the princess of Deryabar and her squire to
the palace ; and at the same time to proclaim who she was, and
in what manner his sons had incurred his displeasure. The prin-
cess and her attendants were led to court, amidst the acclamations
of the people, by whom Codadad was much beloved, while every
one uttered execrations against the envious and ungrateful brothers
who had treated him so cruelly.

When the princess of Deryabar had been introduced to Zaphnah
and Pirouze, and had received their embraces, she demanded of
the king justice on the murderers of her husband. " Yes, madam,"
replied he, " those unnatural vipers shall suffer as they deserve ;
though, by that stroke of justice, I must again become childless.
Unfortunate Codadad !" continued the wretched father, "we have
not thy remains, yet we will not omit paying thee the last duties.
At the close of which, those monsters shall atone for their guilt
by forfeiting their lives."

The king gave orders for a dome of white marble to be erected
without the city, and every preparation to be made for celebrating
the obsequies of Codadad in the^most honorable manner. A figure
resembling the prince was placed in it, and all the inhabitants of
the city went out to assist at the ceremony. The king, his vizier,
and the principal persons of the court, entered the dome, and sat
down on carpets made of black satin, with gold borders. A great
body of guards, hanging their heads, and looking down, drew up

262 A.KA.BIAN NIGHTS'

about the building, and marched round it thrice, observing a pro-
found silence ; at the third round they halted before the door j
and all of them, with a loud voice, cried out, '' O prince, sou of
the king ! could we by the power of the sword and human valor,
any way retrieve your misfortune, we would bring you back to
life. But the King of kings hath commanded and the angel of
death hath obeyed." Having uttered these words they drew off,
and made way for a hundred old men ; all of them mounted on
black mules, and wearing long gray beards.

These were anchorites, who had lived all their days concealed
in caves. They never appeared in the sight of the world but when,
they were to assist at the obsequies of the kings of Harran, or of
princes of their family. Each of these venerable persons carried
a book on his head, which he held with one hand. They took
three turns round the dome, and then stopping before the door,
one of them said, " prince, what can we do for you ? If you
could be restored to life by prayers or learning, we would rub our
gray beards at thy feet, and recite prayers; but the King of the
universe hath taken you away forever."

The old men withdrew to a distance from the dome, and fifty
beautiful maids approached it each of them mounted on a little
white horse. They wore no veils, and carried gold baskets, full
of all sorts of precious stones. They also rode three times round
the dome ; and halting at the same place as the others had done,
the youngest of them spoke in the name of the rest, " prince,
once so beautiful ! what relief can you expect from us ? If we
could restore you to life by our charms, we would become your
slaves ; but you are no longer sensible to beauty, and have no
more occasion for us. ;?

When the young maids were withdrawn, the king and his
courtiers arose ; and having walked three times round the figure
resembling Codadad, the king spake as follows: *' my dear son!
light of my eyes ! I have then lost you forever !' ; These words
were accompanied with many sighs and tears, the courtiers joining
their master in paying this tribute to the prince. The gate of the
tomb was then shut, and all the people returned to the city.

Suitable public prayers were repeated in all the mosques for
eight days successively ; on the ninth, the king had ordered the
princes, his sons, to be beheaded ; the scaffold was ready, but the
execution was stopped by news arriving that some neighboring

ENTKRTAINMKNTS. 203

princes, who had before made war against the king of Ilarran,
were approaching the capital at the head of a numerous army.
Tha king mustered his troops, and marched out of the city, pre-
pared to receive his enemies.

On their approach, the citizens of Ilarran attacked them, and a
desperate hattle ensued. Victory, long doubtful, seemed at last to
incline to the invaders, when a large body of horse appeared in the
plain in good order, and drew near the two armies. Each party
were alarmed, dreading a new enemy ; but the matter was soon
out of doubt; the horsemen fell upon the flank of the king of Har-
ran's opponents, and gave them so furious a charge, that they de-
cided the fortune of the day ; a total route ensued, in which the
greater part of the invaders were put to the sword.

The king of Harran had much admired the gallantry of these
unexpected allies, and the skill and intrepidity of their leader j and
the battle being over, he hastened to thank him. The hero proved
to be Codadad. Zaphnah became motionless with surprise and
joy. When he recovered, he flew to the arms of his son, who re-
ceived and returned his embrace with duty and affection.

Zaphnah left the army to the care of the grand vizier, and went
immediately with his son to the palace ; he there introduced <*o Him
Pirouze and the princess of Deryaber ; the joy of those illustrious
persons, so dear to each other, may be better imagined than ex-
pressed.

Codadad told them that a peasant mounted on a mule happening
to pass by the tent, and seeing him alone, wounded and senseless,
had conveyed him to his house; where, by the application of cer-
tain herbs chewed he recovered him. " Finding myself well," con-
tinued he, " I resolved to search everywhere for my beloved prin-
cess ; but as I heard of the attack which was meditating against
my royal father, I determined first to assist him. I made myself
known to the villagers : and having diligently trained a body of
them to arms, I had the good fortune to arrive with them at a time
they were singularly useful."

When he had finished his narrative, the king said, '"'Let us be
thankful to Heaven for this happy and unexpected meeting ; but it
shall not prevent the just punishment of those traitors who meant
to have destroyed their brother and deliverer; their intentions
were not less wicked because they failed in the execution of thr.ni,
nor bhall their punishment be less severe."

264 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

" Sir," replied the generous Codadad, " though they little deserve
that honor, yet they are your own flesh and blood ; they are my
brothers; they have been sufficiently punished for their offence;
I forgive them, and I entreat your majesty to pardon them also."

Pirouze and the princess of Deryabar joined in this request. The
king was highly pleased with their generosity; he caused the peo-
ple to be assembled, and ordered the princes to be brought out,
loaded with chains, and expecting immediate death. The king,
before them all, caused Codadad to be proclaimed his heir, and
added, that at his intercession, pardon was extended to the un-
worthy princes. The people loudly applauded the noble behavior
of Codadad, who himself released the prisoners from their fetters,
and embraced them with much affection.

On his return to the palace he amply rewarded the surgeon, who
had so faithfully served the princess of Deryabar. Zaphnah and
Pirouze passed the rest of their days very happily with that princess
and their beloved Godadad.

THE STORY OF THE SLEEPER AWAKENED, OR THE DEAD ALIVE.

Abon Hassan was the son of Selim, a wealthy and penurious
citizen of Bagdad ; who, though he was possessed of a good estate,
and had gained great wealth by many years' successful traffic, yet
he scarcely allowed his family necessaries. When the young man
grew up, he had a turn for gayety ; but the extreme avarice of his
father not only denied him the usual amusements of youth, but
gave him no respite from labor ; making no difference between him
and his meanest slave.

The death of the merchant put an end to this restraint on Abon
Hassan. He found himself heir to a plentiful fortune ; and he re-
solved to make himself amends for the severe discipline he had
undergone ; but before he began his career, he showed a good un-
derstanding and a good heart; he settled a proper provision on his
mother, and dividing his wealth into equal parts, with the one part
he increased his patrimony: this he determined never to break in
upon ; the remainder he devoted to enjoyment.

To obtain this, he sought the company of young men of the first
distinction in Bagdad. As he was known to be wealthy, he easily
became intimate with such of them as were noted for their de-
bauchery. To these he gave the most costly entertainments. The
profusion of his table, his magnificent balls and concerts, would

KNTEIIT A I X M ENTS. 265

h;vve dissipated a rnynl rovonue ; and lie found the wealth he had
set apart for a life of prodigality, was dispersed before a single
year had passed away.

Abon Hassan was astonished at the report of his steward, that so
large a part of his fortune was exhausted. lie renewed immediately
his resolution to keep his patrimony unimpaired, nor even, to break
in upon the improvement he had made to it. He gave no more
magnificent entertainments ; ho sold off his useless slaves and
splendid furniture, and prepared to regulate his expenses by his
remaining income. But while this was doing, he felt the force of
youthful attachment to many of his companions, and was amazed
and chagrined to find that they all avoided him. The news of his
ruin had spread abroad ; his prudent reserve no one know of. All
his gay friends, therefore, treated him with contempt ; and when,
to try them still further, he attempted to borrow a supply of them,
many insulted him, all refused him.

Irritated with this ungenerous behavior, he renounced them in
his turn. He retired to the house of his father, where his mother
still dwelt, and began a new course of life. As ho had enough left to
entertain a guest handsomely, and was fond of society, he every day
provided what he thought necessary for that purpose ; and in the
evening he went and sat on Bagdad bridge, where, as soon as he
saw any stranger arrive, whose appearance pleased him. he accost-
ed him respectfully, and invited him to sup and lodge with him
for that night.

Abon Hassan, on these occasions, failed not to acquaint his guest
with an oath he had taken ; which was, never to give an entertain-
ment to an inhabitant of Bagdad; never to invite any man a second
time, or keep up any kind of acquaintance with any of his guests
after their parting. This premised, he used to conduct the stranger
home ; regale him with a good supper, and lodge him comfortably.
In the morning he always said to him, " God preserve you from all
sorrow ! when I invited you hither yesterday, I acquainted you with
my o-ath ; I hope, therefore, you will not take it ill, if I bid you
farewell : and may God conduct you."

On these terms he chanced one evening to engage a stranger of
respectable appearance, whom he supposed to be a merchant of
Mousse 1 ; but who in reality was the caliph, Haroun Alraschid ;
who, in that disguise, was taking one of his customary surveys of
the city. The invitation was so singular, that it excited the caliph'a

12

256 ARABIAN NIGHTS

curiosity, and he readily accepted it. Abon Hassan conducted Inn
home, placed him at the upper end of his table, and sat down over
against him. A handsome supper and dessert were served up, and
they ate of what they liked best, without speaking or drinking, ac-
cording to the custom of the country.

When they had done eating, Abon Hassan filled out a glass of
wine, and said to his guest, laughing, You know, sir, the cock never
drinks before he calls to his hens to come and drink with him, so I
invite you to follow my example. I cannot reckon him a wise man
who does not love a cheerful glass." I am quite of your opinion,"
replied the caliph, taking a bumper, "and am sure you are an
honest fellow ; fill away ; you shall find I am ready to partake
with you."

They grew merry over their cups. Abon Hassan being of a
lively disposition, entertained his guest with a thousand brilliant
sallies. At his request he explained the cause of the vow he had
made to receive only strangers, and no man a second time ; and re.
lated, with much humor, the story of his own extravagance, and
the ill behavior of his former companions.

The caliph was delighted with the wit of his host, and respected
his understanding. When it grew time to retire, he said to him:
"I regret exceedingly the oath you have taken, as it deprives me
of all hopes of being better known to you but yet I wish to
show you how sensible I am of your hospitality. It is more in my
power to serve you, than you are aware of. Speak freely, and tell
me what you would wish far, if you were sure of obtaining your
desires."

Abon Hassan, who was a little elevated with the liquor he had
drank, replied briskly, " I thank you for your offers of service ;
but, in truUi, have no desires that you can gratify. My fortune is
sufficient ; I have no ambition, unless, indeed, you could make me
caliph for four-and-twenty hours." lt And why," interrupted Ha-
ronn, eagerly, '"should vou desire that honor for so short a time ?"
"It would be long enough," replied Abon Hassan, " to answer all
my wishes. The town of Bagdad is divided into various districts,
in each of which there is a mosque, and an imam belonging to it
to read prayers. Tho imam of the division I live in, is an old man
of austere countenance, and the greatest hypocrite in the world.
This man, and four old fellows of the neighborhood, who are peo-
^ pie of the same disposition, meet every day at the imam's house :

EXTEKTAIXMENTd. 267

where they vent their malice against me, and the wnole district
to the great disturbance of the neighbors, and the promotion of
perpetual dissentions. Instead of minding their Alkoran, and being
at peace with all men, they threaten some, abuse jthers, and wish
to domineer over everybody. Was I caliph for one day only, I
would remove this nuisance ; for I would order each of the' old
men a hundred bastinadoes, and the good imam four times as many,
that they might learn no more to abuse and disturb his neighbors."

The caliph laughed heartily at his host's narrative, and immedi-
ately conceived the idea of a whimsical adventure. Abon Ilassuu
renewing the conversation, observed that it grew late. " Let us
finish the bottle," said he, " and I will bid you farewell to-night :
only let me request of you, if you rise before me, that you will,
shut the door when you go out in the morning." This the caliph
promised; and taking hold of the bottle said, " You have been so
obliging as to fill for me the whole night, permit me to pour out
the last glass, and drink to your repose." lie then dexterously
conveyed a little powder into Abon Hassan's glass, and handed it to
him ; who, being much pleased with the politeness of his guest
drank it, and had scarce time to set the glass on the table, before
he fell into a profound sleep.

The caliph ordered the slave who attended him, to take Abon
Hassan on his back, and convey him to the palace, where he caused
him to be undressed, and laid in the royal bed. He directed
Giafar to attend the sleeper in the morning, and salute him as
commander of the faithful ; and to take care that all the emirs and
courtiers, as well as the attendants, should address him with the
usual ceremonies which were observed to himself.

Early in the morning the caliph took possession of a little closet,
whence he could see all that passed; impatient to enjoy the
surprise of Abon Hassan, and see how he would support his imagiu
ary dignity.

At daybreak all the officers and ladies, whose duty it was to at-
tend the rising of the caliph, took their places with great silence.
One of them putting a sponge steeped in vinegar to Abon Hassan's
nose, he sneezed heartily, which awakened him. On opening his eyes
he found that he was in a magnificent room, surrounded by a great
many young and handsome ladies, and black eunuchs richly clothed,
all standing with great modesty and respect. Casting his eyes on
the quilt of the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold richly orna-

268

mented with pearls and diamonds ; and that there was laid by the
bed a very rich habit and a caliph's turban.

At the sight of all these splendid objects, Abon Hassan was in
the utmost confusion and amazement. " So," said he to himself," I
am caliph ! but," added he, after a moment's pause, " 'tis only a
dream ; the effect of the wish I made last night." Saying this, he
turned himself about to sleep again, when one of the eunuchs ap-
proached the bed, and said very respectfully, " commander of the
faithful, 'tis time for your majesty to rise to prayers; the morning
begins to advance."

The astonishment of Abon Hassan was inexpressible. " Is ic pos-
sible I am awake ?" said he to himself. " Oh, certainly, I am asleep,"
continued he. shutting his eyes again, " there is no reason to doubt
it."

The eunuch finding Abon Hassan did not rise, said again, " Your
majesty will, 1 hope, permit me to tell you, that it is time to attend
morning prayer, which you never neglect; the sun is just rising."
u I am mistaken,'-' thought Abon Hassan, " I am awake. Those
that sleep do not hear thus distinctly." Then opening his eyes,
and sitting up in his bed, he seemed overjoyed at his promotion, to
the great entertainment of the caliph, who guessed very exactly
w r hat his thoughts were.

When Abon Hassan began to arise, all the ladies of the palace
prostrated themselves before him, with their faces to the ground ;
they then saluted him with a delightful serenade, with which he
was so ravished, that he \vas in perfect ecstacy. But recovering
his first idea, he again doubted if it was not a dream; he clapped
his hands before his eyes, lowered his head, and again said to him-
self, " What can all this mean? Where am I ? Who are these
ladies and attendants ? How shall I possibly distinguish that I am
awake, and in my right senses ?"

While these thoughts were passing in his mind, Mesrour, the
chief of the eunuchs, came in, and having paid the proper com-
pliments, said, " Commander of the faithful, the time of prayer is
over ; all your generals, governors, and officers of state, wait your
royal presence in the council-hall. Will your majesty be pleased
to ascend your throne as usual ?"

Abon Hassan was convinced now that he was awake, but he was
also still more embarrassed. After a pause, he looked earnestly at
M -isrour, and said, " Who is it that you speak to, and call com-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 269

mander of the faithful? I don't know yoj, and you mistake me
for somebody else."

Mesrour affected an air of astonishment, and replied, *' My worthy
lord and master, you only speak thus to jeer me. Is not your maj-
esty commander of the faithful, monarch of the world, and the
prophet's vicar on earth ? Mesrour, your faithful slave, who has
had the honor and happiness to serve you so many years, cannot
forget or mistake you. Some trouble, some dream, must have dis-
turbed your majesty's imagination.''

Abon Hassan burst out a-laughing at these words of Mesrour.
When he had recovered himself, seeing a little black eunuch, he
beckoned him, and said, " Hark ye, child : tell me who I am/ ;
" Sir," answered the little boy, modestly, "your majesty is com-
mander of the true believers, and the prophet's vicar on earth/'
" You are a liar, sooty-face," said Abon Hassan. He then called
the lady who stood nearest him, saying, " Come hither, fair one,
and bite the end of my finger, that I may know whether I ain
awake or not."

The lady, who knew the caliph saw all that passed, was over-
joyed at being thus called upon to contribute to his amusement ;
going, therefore, with a grave face to Abon Hassan, she put his
finger into her mouth, and clenched it so hard between her teeth
that he roared aloud, and with difficulty pulled it away from her.
When the pain was a little abated, he said, " You have convinced
me that I am not asleep ; but how is it possible that I can have be-
come caliph in one night? I adjure you, therefore, to tell mo
the truth." " It is so true," replied the lady, lt that we, your slaves,
are amazed to hear you doubt it." "Ah, you are a deceiver," re-
plied Abon Hassan ; ' I know very well who I am."

Mesrour assisted his new master to rise; and as soon as he set
his feet on the floor, the whole company of ladies and officers cried
out together, " God preserve your majesty, and give you a good
day." Mesrour then arrayed him in the royal robes, and conducted
him through rows of prostrate courtiers to the council-chamberi
where he mounted the throne of Persia, which he filled with all the
gravity imaginable.

The grand vi/.ier Giafar, and the judge of the police (both of
whom he knew by having often seen them in their offices), first
bowed themselves down before him, and paid him the salutation
of the morning. After which all the emirs, as they were admitted

270 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

to their seats, went to the foot of the throne, and haying laid their
heads on the carpet, they saluted him on their knees, as com-
mander of the faithful, and the prophet's vicar on earth.

Although Abon Hassan had before been elevated with his ad-
vancement, his recollection forbade him to believe it. But when
he found himself thus received by the grand vizier, and all the
great men about the court, he could no longer doubt but he was
caliph, though he could no way account for his having become so.
Dismissing, therefore, for the present, all thought upon the subject,
he prepared to enjoy his good fortune, and exercise his sovereignty
He beckoned the judge of the police to him, and directed him to
go to such a division of the city, to seize the imam of the mosque
and four old men, whom he described ; to give each of the latter
a hundred bastinadoes, and the iniani four hundred. " This
done," continued he, " mount them on five camels, with their faces
to the tails, lead them through the whole city, and let a crier pro-
claim before them, 4 This is the punishment of busy-bodies and
mischief-makers.' You may then dismiss them, with orders never
to return to that district on pain of death.' ;

The judge of the police withdrew ; and the grand vizier ap-
proached the throne, and made his report of affairs. Abon Has-
san heard him with dignity and attention. He issued out orders
without embarrassment, and gave judgment in several causes with
great ability. The caliph saw and admired this part of his con-
duct, which raised him highly in his esteem. The judge of the
police returning, presented his new sovereign an instrument, sign-
ed by the principal inhabitants of the division, attesting the pun-
ishment having been inflicted on the five delinquents. Abon Has-
san read over the names of the witnesses (who were all people
that he knew very well), with great satisfaction. li These old hyp-
ocrites," said he to himself, ' who were ever censuring my actions,
and finding fault with my entertaining honest people, have at last
received the punishment they deserved."

AVhen the time of audience was nearly over, the new caliph
directed the vizier to take a thousand pieces of gold, and carry
them to the mother of Abon Hassan, who was generally called the
debauchee, and lived in the same district where the judge of the
police had been sent to. Giafar obeyed, and, on his return, Abon
Hassan arose, and dismissing the audience, descended the throng
and was conducted by Mcsronr into an adjoining apartment.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 271

He was much delighted on entering the splendid hall to which
the chief of the eunuchs led him. The paintings were exquisite ;
and there appeared everywhere the greatest profusion of wealth :
seven bands of music, placed in different galleries, struck up a
grand concert at his entrance. In the middle of the room there
was a tahle set out with golden dishes and plates containing all
manner of rarities. Seven young and beautiful ladies, richly
Iressed, stood around this table, each ready to fan the supposed
jaliph while at dinner.

Abon Hassan surveyed all these things with the utmost pleas-
are ; his countenance strongly expressed his joy ; yet there was
a mixture of wonder and doubt which occasionally appeared in
his behavior. " If this is a dream," said he to himself, " it is a
long one. But surely," continued he, "it is not a dream: I can
see, hear, feel, walk, and argue reasonably. I am certainly the
commander of the faithful ; who else could live in this splendor ?
Besides, the respect I receive, and the obedience paid to my com-
mands, are sufficient proofs." He then sat down to table ; and the
seven ladies standing about him began to fan him. He looked at
them with admiration ; and smilingly told them, that one fan was
enough to cool him, and he would have the other six ladies sit
down to table with him, that wherever he turned his eyes he
might behold such lovely objects.

The ladies obeyed; but Abon Hassan perceiving that out of
respect they did not eat, helped them himself, and urged them in
the most obliging terms. When they had dined, he asked their
names, which they told him were White Xeck, Coral Lips, Fair
Face, Sunshine, Heart's Delight, Sweet Looks, and Sugar Cane.
To every lady he returned handsome compliments, wittily adapted
to her name.

After dinner, the eunuchs brought perfumed water in a golden
bowl ; and when Abon Hassan had washed. Mesrour, who never
left him, conducted him to another hall, where he was received
by seven ladies more beautiful than the former. Seven other
bands began a new concert, while the imaginary caliph took part
of a rich dessert of- sweetmeats, and the choicest fruits. This
over, he was led to a third hall more magnificent than the other
two ; it was lighted up with a profusion of wax lights, in golden
branches ; and he was received here by seven other ladies, of still
superior beauty, who conducted him to a table set out with large

272 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

silver flagons full of the choicest wines, and crystal glasses placed
by them.

Till this time, Abon Hassan had drank nothing but water, agree-
able to the custom of Bagdad, where from the highest to the low-
est, they never drink anything strong till evening ; it being ac-
counted scandalous in the highest degree for any one to be drunk
in the daytime. When he placed himself at the table, he desired
the seven ladies to sit down with him ; and having asked their
names, which were Cluster of Pearls, Morning Star, Chain of
Hearts, Daylight, Bright Eyes, Fine Shape, and Silver Tongue :
he called upon each in turn to bring him a glass of wine, and as
each lady presented it, he said a variety of witty and gallant
things to her.

As the wine began to elevate the supposed caliph, he became
amorous; which Cluster of Pearls perceiving, she went to the
beaufet, and putting a little of the sleepy powder into a goblet,
she filled it with wine; she then presented it in a most bewitch-
ing manner to Abon Hassan, requesting him to drink it when she
had sung a song which she had made that day. Hassan consent-
ed ; and the lady sung with so much grace and spirit, that he re-
solved to prefer her to her companions. He received the goblet
from her hand, and drank ; but before he could take it from his
mouth, he fell asleep in the aims of the attendants. They then
put his own clothes on him ; and the slave who brought him
thither, carried him back, and laid him on his own sofa.

It was late the next morning before the powder ceased to oper-
ate. But at length the sleeper awakened, and looking round the
room, was surprised to find himself in so different a situation.
He called aloud for Cluster of Pearls, Morning Star, Coral Lips,
and the other ladies, as he could recollect them. His mother
hearing his voice, came in and said, "Son, what would you have;
who are those you are calling for ?' ; Abon Hassan, raising him-
self up, looked haughtily at his mother, and said. u Good woman !
who is it you call your son?" ^ You, to be sure," replied his
mother; "are you not Abon Hassan, my son? Have you slept
till you have forgot me and yourself too ?" " I, your son !" an-
swered Hassan; you are mad ! I am not Abon Hassan, but the
commander of the faithful."

His mother was alarmed at these words. " Silence, n,y dear
son, 1 beseech you," said she ; " do you not know that ' walls have

ENTERTAINMENTS. 273

ears ?' what do you think would be the consequence, if you were
heard to utter such rash words to anybody else ? You are surely
distracted." "While his mother was thus remonstrating with him,
Abon Hassan listened to her attentively. He held down his head
and put his hands before his eyes like one in contemplation. At
last, as if just awakened, he said to his mother, ' Methinks I am
Abon Hassan, and you are my mother." Then looking round the
room, he added, " I certainly am Abon Hassan, there is no doubt
of it. I cannot conceive how this fancy came into my head."

" You have had a good dream," replied his mother, laughing,
"but I have some real good news for you. The grand vizier,
Giafar, came to me yesterday, and putting a purse of a thousand
pieces of gold into my hand, bid me pray for the commander of
the faithful, who made me that present."

" Will you dare, after this, old lady," replied Hassan, in a rage,
" to tell me I am your son ! I sent you those thousand pieces of
gold by my grand vizier, Giafar, who obeyed me as commander of
the faithful/ 7

His mother was astonished at his conversation, but fearing to
irritate him by opposition, she answered him slightly ; and irnine-
'diately, with intent to divert his ideas from a subject which
seemed to bewilder him, she began to tell him what had befallen
the imam and the four shieks the preceding day.

Hassan listened with much attention, and when she had finished
her narrative. -'God .be praised," said he, '-'for all things! for I
have no doubt but that I am the commander of the faithful, and
the prophet's vicar on earth. Know, old woman," continued he,
" that it was by my order those five hypocrites were punished. I
was not asleep when I gave those directions ; and am glad to hear
from you, that the judge of the police fulfilled his duty."

The old lady was in an agony of despair \\hen she heard him
talk in so absurd a manner. " Heaven preserve you from the
power of Satan, my dear son !" replied she ; " some evil genius
surely possesses you. Don't you see you are in your own room ?
Recollect yourself seriously, and drive away these fancies from
your imagination." At these words Hassan became more trans-
ported with fury; he leaped from the sofa, seized a cane and run-
ning to his mother, '' Cursed sorceress," said he, ' tell me instantly
by what means you have conveyed me from my palace to this
room." His m ther, looking tenderly at him, replied, " You are not

12*

274 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

surely, so abandoned by God, my son, as to strike your mother !"
Abon Hassan, urged to fren/y, became unnatural. He caned her
severely; asking her, between every stroke, if she would yet own
he was commander of the faithful ; to which she continued to
reply '"he was her beloved son. ; '

At length, as he ceased not to beat her, the old lady was
obliged to call out so loud for help, that several of the neighbors
heard her, and ran to her assistance. The first who entered the
room, taking the cane from him, said, " What are you doing, Abon
Hassan ? Have you no fear of God ? Dare you strike your affec-
tionate parent?" Hassan looked earnestly on him without re-
turning any ausw r er ; and then, staring on all that followed him,
said, ;< Who is that Abon Hassan ? do you mean to call me by
that name ?' ; <; Who should we call so but you ? ;; replied his
neighbor ; " it is no wonder you forget yourself, when you insult
your mother." <<; Begone ! you are all impertinent !" answered
Hassan, tl I neither know her nor you. I will not know you, I am
not Abon Hassan ; but you shall find to your cost, that I am com-
mander of the faithful."

At this discourse, his neighbors concluded he was mad ; and
while some laughed at him, others went for the keeper of the hos-
pital for lunatics. Hassan became outrageous at the sight of him,
and called aloud for Giafar and Mesrour to come to his assist-
ance ] but the keeper ordered him to be undressed, and beat him
with a rope till he lay quiet : he then caused hand-cuffs and chains
to be fastened on him, and took him to the hospital.

For three weeks the unfortunate Hassan received daily correc-
tion from the hand of his severe keeper, who never failed to re-
mind him that he was not commander of the faithful. His mother
came every day to see him ; but whenever she appeared in his
eight, he reproached and execrated her as the cause of all his
sufferings. At length, the lively ideas of what had passed during
the time he was addressed as caliph, began to fade away : and the
miserable situation he w'as in, made him recollect himself; though
the obedience which had been paid to his orders, would not let
him believe he had been dreaming ; yet he considered that, if he
was really caliph, his officers and attendants would never have
abandoned him to so much ignominy and wretchedness. While
his mind was thus employed, his mother came to see him, and let
fall a trrreut of tears at beholding him manacled, emaciated, and

ENTERTAINMENTS. 275

dejected. On her approach, he no longer appeared furious. On
the contrary, he saluted her as his mother, disavowed his sup-
posed dignity, and with much sorrow entreated her forgiveness of
the outrage he had committed against her.

His mother was overjoyed to find so happy a change in him.
She talked with him about the disorder he had been in; and
added, " The last stranger you brought home with you, went away
in the morning without shutting the door. I am persuaded this
gave some demon an opportunity to enter, and put you into that
horrid delusion.' 7 " You are certainly in the right, my dear
mother," replied Abon Hassan; "it was that very night I had the
fatal dream which turned my brain, and caused those excesses which
cor?r me with shame and confusion when I think on them. I charged
the merchant to shut the door after him, which now I find he did
not do ; as they of Moussol are not so well convinced that the devil
is the cause of troublesome dreams as we are at Bagdad. But
since I am so much better, get me, I entreat you, out of this cursed
place." His mother hastened with great joy to the keeper, and
declared the change she had found in her son ; and he, having ex-
amined his patient, congratulated him on his recovery, and gave
him his liberty.

When Abon Hassan came home he stayed within doors for some
days to rest and refresh himself after the severe discipline ho had
undergone. But when he had recovered his strength, he soon
became weary of spending his evenings alone. He determined,
therefore, to begin his former way of living, which was to provide
a supper, and seek a friend to share it with him.

The day on which he renewed this custom was the first of the
month, when the caliph always walked in disguise about the
city. Toward evening, Hassan went to the bridge, but had scarce
sat down when he perceived the caliph disguised as before, and
followed by the same slave. As he was was fully persuaded that
all his sufferings arose from the negligence of this Moussol mer-
chant, he saw him with great indignation ; and to avoid speaking
*o him, he got up, and looked over the parapet into the river.

The caliph saw and recollected his former host, and became
curious to know the effect of his frolic. He perceived that Has-
san had risen in anger, and wished to avoid him. He went, there-
fore, close up to him. and said, " Oh ! brother Hassan, is it you ?
give me leave to embrace you. " "Not I. indeed,'' replied Has.

276 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

sail, roughly, and without turning his head ; " I know nothing
of you, nor will I have anything to do with you ; go about your
business."

The caliph endeavored to soothe him. saying, " You cannot,
surely have forgot the evening we passed so pleasantly at your
house, a little while ago. I then tendered you my best services,
and now repeat the offer, and shall be glad to repay your hospi-
tality by making myself useful to you. Let me beg you will
for once set aside your usual custom of not receiving the same
guest the second time, and take me home again with you this
evening."

Abon Hassan refused this request with high indignation, and
again bid the supposed merchant begone. But the caliph urged
him so vehemently, and seemed so desirous of knowing the cause
of his host's anger, that Hassan at last suffered himself to be pre-
vailed on to receive him as his guest the second time. He took
care, however, to exact a very solemn promise, that he would shut
the door after him, when he went out in the morning.

When they arrived at Abon Hassan's house, he related to the
caliph all that had befallen him. ll But," continued he, "you will
not expect to hear that it is entirely owing to you that these things
happened. I desired you to shut the door, which you neglected
to do ; and some devil finding it open, put this dream in my head ;
which, though it was very agreeable while it lasted, was the cause
of all these misfortunes. You are in part answerable for all
the extravagancies I ran into : and chiefly for the horrid and de-
testable crime I was guilty of in lifting up niy hand against my
mother."

The caliph hearing Abon Hassan thus gravely laying to his
charge so many evils, burst into laughter, which exceedingly
affronted his host. " Perhaps you will find something very divert-
ing in this also," said he, and at the same time bared his back and
shoulders, and showed the wales and livid marks which remained
from the chastisement he had undergone in the hospital. The
caliph, on beholding this piteous sight, became really sorry that
IIiiMgan had suffered so much. He embraced and condoled with
him. After which he said. "Let us forget as well as we can, all
that is disagreeable and delicate this evening to mirth. To-morrow
I will endeavor to repay your sufferings to your satisfaction.

Abon Hassan had conceived an esteem for his guest. He suffered

ENTERTAINMENTS. 277

his anger to be overcome by these entreaties, and sitting down
with him, they passed the evening together in great jollity. When
it grew late, the caliph conveyed a little of the same powder into
the cup of his host, which had its usual effect ; and the slave car-
ried Hassan a second time to the palace.

The caliph caused him to be again habited in the imperial robes,
and laid on a sofa in the hall where he had before fallen asleep.
In the morning, Mesrour, with the other attendants, took their
plaoes; the effect of the powder was dissipated as before, and, as
Abon Hassan awakened, the music struck up a delightful concert.

Abon Hassan was astonished to hear the charming harmony.
He looked around him, and remembered the hall : he even thought
he recollected the persons of the ladies. " Alas !" said he aloud, " I
am fallen into the same fatal dream that happened to me a month
ago ; and must expect again the discipline of the mad-house. He
was a wicked man whom I entertained last night ; he is the cause
of this illusion, and of all the miseries I must undergo. The base
wretch promised to shut the door after him, and did not do it, and
the devil has come in. and filled my head with this cursed dream
again. Mayest thou be confounded, Satan, and crushed under some
mountain."

Abon Hassan continued some time thoughtful ; when, shutting
his eyes and stretching himself on the sofa, " I'll go to sleep," said
he, " till Satan leaves me." On which one of the ladies approach-
ing him said, "Commander of the faithful, I beg your majesty will
permit me tell you, that day appears, and it is time to rise." " Be-
gone, Satan !" replied Abon Hassan, raising his voice. Then look-
ing on the lady, he said, u Is it me you call commander of the
faithful ?" " To whom," replied the lady, u should I give that
title but to your majesty, who is the sovereign of the world, and
of Mussulmans ? But to convince you perfectly, let mo remind you
of what passTld yesterday." She then told him of the several
matters which occurred in the council; of his liberality to Abon
Hassan's mother; and of the punishment of the imam and his
companions. " Your majesty, then," continued she, ''dined in the
three halls as usual ; and in this you did us the honor to make ua
sit down with you, to hear our songs, and receive wine from our
hands, till you fell asleep, and never awakened till now. ;/

The confidence with which the lady assured Hassan of these
things, aud his own recollection of the circumstances, threw him

278 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

into the utmost perplexity. " All she tells me is certainly true,"
said he aloud; ''for I remember every particular of it. Ami,
indeed, caliph ? Do I dream now, or was I in a dream when I
fancied myself in a mad-house T } At length recollecting that his
shoulders still retained a melancholy proof of the treatment he
had received, he once more uncovered them, and asked his attend-
ants how they durst suffer such disgraceful severity to be offered
to the caliph while he slept. The lady was confounded ; and not
knowing how to answer so trying a question, she made a signal
for the music to renew the concert, while she and her companions
danced round the imaginary caliph. Abon Hassan beheld them
for some time with a mixture of delight and anxiety ; but as they
continued to dance, he became transported, and leaping up, joined
them in their amusement, committing numberless pleasant extrava-
gancies ; till the caliph, who had from his closet been a spectator
of all that passed, and had laughed till he was quite exhausted,
called out, "Abon Hassan, Abon Hassan, you will make me die
with laughter. 7 '

The instant the caliph's voice was heard, the music ceased, and
every ona was silent. The monarch came forward, laughing.
Abon Hassan recollected him, notwithstanding his royal robes ;
and joining in the joke, without being in the least dashed at the
presence of his sovereign, he cried out, " Ha ! ha ! you are a
merchant of Moussol, and complain I would kill you ; you who
have been the occasion of my using my mother so ill ; it was you
who punished the imam and the four scheiks ; I wash my hands
of it. In short, you ought to answer for all my irregularities."

The caliph acknowledged the truth of Abon Hassan's remarks;
and at his request, told him the contrivance he had used to convey
him thus about. He then bid Hassan as-k boldly for any favor he
wished, to make him amends for the severities he had under-
gone. ^

" Commander of the faithful," replied Abon Hassan, " how great
soever my distress was, I have quite forgot it, now that I know my
sovereign received amusement from those circumstances which
occasioned it, I doubt not your majesty's. bounty ; but shall only
ask that I may be allowed to approach your royal person, and
have the happiness all my life of admiring your grandeur!" The
modesty of this request charmed the caliph, who had before a great
esteem for Hassan ; he granted his desire in the most ample mnn-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 279

ner, assured him of his protection, and received him into his familiar
friendship.

Aboii Hassan was lively and pleasant; he continually promoted
the amusement of his royal master, so that he became his constant
companion during those hours which were not devoted to business.
The caliph often carried him to the apartment of his spouse, Zo-
beide, who had heard his story with much pleasure. This princess
had a favorite slave, called Nouzhatoul-aouadat. Hassan had
not been often admitted to the presence of Zobeide, before she ob-
served that his eyes were often fixed on this young lady ; who, on
her part, betrayed evident proofs of partiality for him.

Zobeide was no sooner convinced that their attachment was
mutual, than she proposed to the caliph to give her slave to Abon
Hassan. The prince consenting, the marriage was solemnized in
the palace with great rejoicings. The bride and bridegroom re-
ceived very considerable presents from Zobeide and the caliph, and
Abon Hassan conducted his spouse with great joy to the apart-
ments allotted him in the palace.

Abon Hassan and his spouse lived together in perfect union.
Nouzhatoul-aouadat was endued with all the qualifications capable
of gaining her husband's love and esteem ; and he omitted nothing
that could render himself acceptable to her. He furnished his
table with the choicest dainties and most exquisite wines ; he hired
the best musicians to entertain her ; in a word ; their time passed
in a continual round of pleasure.

But before the first year of their marriage was expired, their
steward made so large a demand on his master, as entirely ex-
hausted his purse; and they found themselves all at once exceed-
ingly embarrassed. Abon Hassan durst not apply to the caliph
for assistance, having in so short a time lavished away a consider-
able treasure; nor could he have recourse to his own fortune ;
for when the caliph received him into his household, he made over
the whole of his patrimony to his mother ; and he resolved on no
account to lessen her income. On the other hand, Nouzhatoul-
aouadat considered Zobeide's generosity to her on her nuptials, as
more than a sufficient recompense fo'r her services, and thought
that she ought not to apply to her for more.

On the departure of the steward, they sat a long time silent,
each revolving these disagreeable ideas. At length Abon Hassan
paid to his wife, " I see you are as much distressed as I am on this

280 AKABIA.N NIGH'lV

occasion ; but I think 1 have contrived a trick, if you'll assist mo,
which, while it discovers our necessities to the caliph and Zobeide,
will at the same time divert them. To this purpose, you and I

must both die ." li Not I, indeed," interrupted his wife, who

had before listened to him with great attention ; " if you have
nothing else to propose you may do that by yourself if you choose
it."

" You do not suppose, surely," replied Hassan, hastily, li that I
mean r3ally to die. I propose only that I should feign myself dead,
and you should go in tears to Zobeide, and by expressing great
sorrow, move her pity. On your return, I will put the same cheat
on the caliph, and, besides the usual presents we shall each receive
on this occasion, I flatter myself the explanation will be very bene-
ficial to us."

Nouzhatoul-aouadat now entered into the husband's scheme with
great readiness. She spread a sheet on the carpet in the middle of
the room, on which Hassan laid himself along, with his feet toward
Mecca; he crossed his arms, and his wife wrapped him up, and put
a piece of fine muslin and his turban on his face. She then disor-
dered her dress, and with dismal cries and lamentations ran to Zo-
beide's apartments. Having obtained admission to the princess
she redoubled her cries, tore her hair, and expressed every appear-
ance of the most extravagant affliction ; to her mistress's eager in-
quiries into the cause of this sorrow, she was a long time silent, as
if unable to speak but at last, seeming to suppress her sighs, she
said, "May Heaven prolong your days, most respectable princess!
Abon Hassan, poor Abon Hassan, whom you honored with your
esteem, and gave me for a husband, is no more !"

Zobeide was much afflicted at this news. " Is Abon Hassan
dead ?" exclaimed she ; (i that agreeable pleasant man ? Alas, he '
deserved a longer life !" Saying this, she shed tears ; and all her
attendants, to whom Abon Hassan's good humor had much endeared
him, joined in bewailing his loss. Zobeide then presented the sup-
posed widow with a piece of brocade and a hundred pieces of gold.
" Go," said she, " bury the corpse of thy husband in that brocade,
and moderate the transports of thy affliction. I will take care of
thee."

Nouzhatoul-aouadat, having returned suitable thanks to the
princess, withdrew, and going with great joy to her husband, she
said, '* Rise, and see the fruits of your project. Now let me act

ENTERTAINMENTS. 281

the dead part, and see if you manage the caliph as well as I have
done Zobeide."

Abon Hassan wrapped up his wife as she had done him, and
with his turban loosened and put awry on his head, and like a man
in the deepest sorrow, ran to the caliph, and announced the death
of his beloved Nouzhatoul-aouadat. That prince was as liberal to
the fals-e widower, as his princess had been to her slave ; and Abon
Hassan left his*"patrou with a rejoicing heart, though his face ex-
pressed very different associations.

The caliph was impatient to condole with Zobeide on the death
of her slave. He went immediately with Mesrour to her apart-
ments, v\here he found her drowned in tears. He seated himself
by her, and in the most tender manner used every argument.iu his
power to console her. The princess, though highly gratified at this
proof of the caliph's tenderness, was amazed to hear him lament the
death of Nouzhatoul-aouadat. She thanked him for his affectionate
attention to her, but added, " Your majesty has been misinformed
It is not the death of nay slave which afflicts me. She was here
just now, in good health, though in much distress. These tears
are shed for Abon Hassan, whose untimely dissolution grieves me
much, and cannot, I suppose, be indifferent to your majesty."

The caliph, who had just parted with Abon Hassan, assured her
that he was alive and well. '"'Tis his wife,' 7 continued he, " who
is dead ; it is only a few minutes since he left me overwhelmed with
affliction for the loss."

Zobeide became a good deal piqued at this answer of the caliph.
She thought he bantered her. She affirmed with much heat that
it was Abon Hassan who was dead, and appealed to her nurse and
other attendants to confirm what she asserted. The caliph was as
confident he was alive, and his wife was dead. To close the dispute?
the monarch proposed to wager his garden of pleasures against the
princess's palace of paintings. Zobeide agreed; and Mesrour was
despatched to Abon Hassan's apartment, charged by both the caliph
and his lady to return with a strict account.

Abon Hassan had foreseen this dispute. When he perceived
Mesrour approaching, he prepared his wife to act the dead part
again. He spread the piece of brocade over her, and seated him-
self at the head of the pretended corpse, in great apparent sorrow.
In this situation the eunuch found him, Mesrour was affected at
the dismal sight. lie seated himself on the other side of the body?

282 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

and began to offer consolation to Abon Hassan. He lifted up the
pall a little at the head, and looking under it, let it fall again, and
said, with a deep sigh, " There is no other God but God; we must
all submit to his will and return to him." Then turning to Abon
Hassan, who was sighing and groaning most pitifully, he besought
him not to indulge in an unavailing sorrow, and having conversed
with him a little time, he arose and took his leave.

Mesrour returned to Zobeide's apartment, and on appearing be-
fore his master, he clapped 'his hands, laughing, like one who had
something very agreeable to tell ; but the caliph and the princess
had disputed till they were both out of humor. The impatient
prince cried out, " Vile slave, is this a time to laugh ? Tell me
which is dead, the wife or the husband. 7 '

II Commander of the faithful," replied Mesrour, seriously, " it is
Nouzhatoul-aouadat who is dead." The caliph immediately turning
to Zobeide, claimed the palace of paintings. The princess pettishly
replied, " I see your majesty has contrived with Mesrour to chagrin
me. I myself conversed with my slave, who told me her husband
was dead ; my attendants all saw and heard her. This despicable
slave has brought a false account: I beg I may &end a person I can
trust to clear up this matter."

II 1 know not," replied the caliph, " who was the author of that
saying, that women sometimes lose their wits; but I am sure you
give a proof that he was not mistaken. You may send whom you
please ; but I once more assure you that my own eyes and ears are
witnesses that Mesrour has told the truth."

Zobeide despatched her nurse to Abon Hassan's apartment ; and
not choosing to dispute with the caliph, she contented herself with
reproaching the eunuch. The monarch enjoyed her anger; but
poor Mesrour was much mortified. He comforted himself, however,
with the hope that the return of the nurse would set all to rights
again.

When Abon Hassan had released his wife from her bands after
the departure of Mesrour, he said to her, " Though the eunuch did
not mention his master. I am persuaded that the visit was made by
his direction. The caliph and the princess I doubt not are debating
which of us is dead ; and as Zobeide will not believe Mesrour, we
may expect further inquiries." They sat down, therefore, on a sofa
opposite the window, and watched who drew near.

When they saw the nurse coming, Hassan again appeared as the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 283

dead body. Nouzhatoul-aouadat placed herself at his head, her
hair dishevelled, her dress disordered, and herself apparently in the
utmost distress. The nurse, on entering the apartment, endeavored
to console her, and when she appeared a little composed, expressed
her surprise at finding everything the reverse of what the eunuch
had reported. " That black-faced Mesrour," said she, " deserves
to be impaled, for having made so great a difference between our
good mistress and the commander of the faithful. lie has had the
inconceivable impudence to assert, before the princess' face, that
you, daughter, are dead, and Abon Hassan alive."

The nurse, having comforted the supposed widow, hastened back
to Zobeide, and related what she had seen. Mosrour was equally
vexed and disappointed at a report so different from what he ex-
pected. A violent altercation took place between him and the
nurse; which the princess resented so much, that she burst into
tears, and demanded justice of the caliph against the audacious and
insolent eunuch.

But the monarch who had heard their different accounts con-
sidered that Zobeide herself had been positive on the one hand,
and he on the other. He began, therefore, to think there was
something more in the affair than he could comprehend. Having
pacified Zobeide, he proposed that they should go together to
Abon Hassan's apartment, and let their own eyes determine the
controversy.

They set forward accordingly, followed by all their retinue.
Abon Hassan, seeing the cavalcade approach, wrapped his wife up
as before, and lying down by her, contrived to place the brocade
and turban upon himself, so that on the entrance of the royal visi-
tors they both appeared as laid out.

When the caliph and the princess entered the room, they were
exceedingly shocked at the dismal sight. After some time, Zo-
beide exclaimed with a sigh, " Alas ! they are both dead ! it is
dangerous jesting on such awful subjects." " You jocularly told
me," said she to the caliph, " that my slave was dead, and now I
find she is really so. Grief for the loss of her husband has cer-
tainly killed her."

The caliph strenuously asserted that Abon Hassan had been un-
able to support life after the death of Nouzhatoul-aouadat. The
nurse and Mesrour renewed their altercation ; and all parties
found themselves as far from certainty as ever. In the conversa*

284 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tion the caliph vowed he would give a thousand pieces of gold to
him who could prove which of the two died first. Instantly a
hand was held out, and a voice from under Ahon Hassan's pall
was heard to say, ' 1 died first, commander of the faithful give
me the thousand pieces of gold." At -the same time Abon Hassan
threw off the brocade, and prostrated himself at the feet of the
caliph, as did his wife at those of the princess.

Abon Hassan related the necessity which gave rise to this de-
vice, and finished his narrative by very gravely demanding the
thousand pieces of gold. Zobeide, at first, was very serious, not
being well pleased to have been so much afflicted ; but the caliph
laughing very heaitily at the trick, she at length joined in his good
humor; and by their mutual liberality they furnished Abon Has-
Ban and Nouzhatoul-aouadat with a sufficient income to enjoy their
favorite pleasures.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE CALIPH HAROUN ALRASCHID.

One of those evenings in which the caliph Haroun Alraschid
was pursuing his usual custom of walking in disguise about his
metropolis, to see that good order was everywhere observed, -lift
took notice of a blind beggar, whose appearance excited his com-
passion. He gave him a small piece of money, which the beggar
received with thankfulness; but at the same time caught hold of
his clothes, and said, " Charitable person, whosoever you are. that
God hath inspired with benevolence, I entreat you to give me a
smart blow also. Alas ! I have deserved a greater punishment."

The caliph was surprised at this request, which he refused to
comply with. " Then," replied the beggar, " I must desire you to
take back your alms, for 1 have made a solemn vow never to re-
ceive the one without the other. If you knew the reason, you
would allow the penance is not equal to my offences." The ca-
liph not choosing to be detained, gave him a slight blow ; after
which the blind man let him go, and thanked him and blessed him.
'. The extreme severity with which a young man chastised a very
beautiful mare, next engaged the caliph's attention, with the more
reason, as he learnt that for many days past the man had exer-
cised his beast every day with the same severity. Giafar was di-
rected by his master to order this man and the beggar to attend
the caliph at the divan next day.

In his further progress, the caliph took notice of a very hand-

EXI EKTA1NMENTS. 285

some house, newly built. lie inquired who was the owner, and
was informed that he was called Cogia Hassan Alhabbal (rope-
maker) ; that very lately he had been so exceedingly poor, that he
could hardly supply his. family with necessaries, but all at once
he had become very rich, and defrayed honorably the expense he
now lived at. The caliph ordered Cogia Hassan to be summoned
before him with the others.

Next day they all attended. The caliph addressed himself first
to the beggar, and demanded the reason of his extraordinary con-
duct. The blind man, having paid his respects to the caliph in
the usual manner, related his story as follows.

THE STORY OF THE BLIND MAN, BABA ABDALLAH.

Commander of the faithful, I am ready to obey you, though I
know that in relating the cause of my imposing this penance upon
myself, I must discover a very heinous crime to your majesty.
Whatever further punishment you may order to be inflicted on me,
I shall submit to it without murmuring.

I am called Baba Abdallah, and was born at Bagdad. Having
but little fortune to begin the world with I early learnt the strict-
est economy, which very soon became avarice. By a close atten-
tion to its dictates, I became possessed of four-score camels, which
I used to let to the merchants, and drive them myself to whatever
place they were hired for ; by which diligence I was obtaining,
very fast, a handsome competence. In the midst of this good for-
tune, as I was returning one day from Balsora, with my" camels
unloaded, a dervise joined me on the road. We fell into discourse,
and presently sitting down, each produced his provisions and we
ate together. After our repast, the dervise told me that he knew
of a treasure near at hand so great, that if all my beasts were
laden with gold and jewels, it would not be missed from the heap.

I was delighted at this news, and entreated the dervise to show
me where it was, and let me load my camels with it : preposter-
ously oifering to give him one of them. The dervise checked my
avarice with great good humor. " Will you not be content," said
he, Ct if I give you as much treasure as will load forty of your
camels, to give me the other forty and let me load them on my
own account. Consider, though you give me forty of your car-
riers, you will receive by my means as much wealth as would
purchase many thousands of them.

236 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

There was much truth and justice in this remark, vet I could
not without reluctance think of agreeing to his request. The
dorvise would in that case be as rich a man as myself: my desire
of riches also was become so violent, that I thought it was a great
deal to spare him one, though I retained seventy-nine.

But there was no time to hesitate ; if I did not comply, I must
give up all hopes of possessing immense wealth. I consented,
therefore, with seeming thankfulness, and we travelled till we
come to a spacious valley, formed by two mountains. When we
had advanced some way, the dervise made a fire, and casting a
perfume into it, he said some words I did not understand; a thick
cloud arose, and, when it dispersed, we found one of the moun-
tains opened, and discovered a prodigious cavern full of all sorts
of riches.

I made the camels kneel down as usual to receive their load,
and then flew like a hungry vulture to my prey. The sacks were
large, and I would gladly have filled them all, but I was obliged
to proportion my burden to the strength of my beasts. When
we had laden them with gold and jewels, I observed the dervise
go to a vessel, and take out a little box, which he put in his bosom ;
but first showed me that it contained only a kind of pomatum.

The dervise having closed the mountain, we each of us took
charge of our forty camels, and left the valley. We travelled
together till we came to the great road, where we were to part;
the dervise going to Balsora, and I to Bagdad. Here I poured
forth my acknowledgments in the fullest manner, for the riches he
had given me, and we bade each other farewell.

I had not got many paces before the vilest ingratitude took pos-
session of me. I not only forgot my obligations to the dervise,
but determined to deprive him of his share of the treasure we
had brought from, the valley. Having formed this infamous reso-
lution, I soon found out a specious reason to hide from my heart
its own baseness. "Is not the dervise/' said J, "master of this
immense treasure ? Cannot he go to it when he pleases ? What
injury then shall I do him."

I stopped my camels and went up to him, saying, " Brother, it
occurs to me that you are not used to the management of these
beasts, will never be able to conduct -forty of them to Balsora.
You had better give up ten of them to me."

" I believe you are right," replied the dervise ; " I apprehend

KNTEKTA INMENTS. 287

the difficulty you mention. Take any ten you please and add to
your own."

Finding my benefactor so easily persuaded, I proceeded with
moderation. " You will soon find/' said I, " That you have done
wisely in lessening the number of your camels, indeed, the regard
I have for your safety makes me wish you would part with ten
more. I can manage a hundred as well as one : but you will find
twenty too many ?"

"If you think so, brother," replied the dervise, "take other
ten." I did so, and was owner of sixty camels, loaded with jewels
and gold. This immense wealth, instead of satisfying my desires,
only made me more eager for the remaining twenty. li You,
brother," said I, " are a good dervise, unattached to the world, and
intent only on serving God. You will find all this treasure a
snare to you. Be content, then, with ten camels, and let me, out
of friendship to you, drive away the remainder.''

The dervise complied with this unreasonable request also, with-
out murmuring. I then embraced him, oppressed him with my
too abundant thanks, with vows of everlasting gratitude and love ;
and I finished in beseeching him to crown my joy. by giving me
the other ten also. "Take them, brother/' replied the dervise,
tl use them properly. Remember, also, that God can take away
riches as well as bestow them."

Though I was much pleased to have acquired so easily the
treasure which I had resolved to obtain by violence, if necessary,
my desires were now become unbounded. Recollecting the box of
pomatum, which the dervise had taken out of the treasury, it oc-
curred to me that possibly that box might be of more value than
all the treasure I had obtained from him ; hence I accounted for
his so readily giving up his forty camels ; at any rate, the care
with which he put it by convinced me that it was of great value,
and I determined to have it.

When I put the camels in order, I went to the dervise, and em.
bracing him, bid him again adieu ! but just as I was turning from
him, I said : <: You, who have renounced the vanities of the world,
can have no use for pomatum. I wish you would make me a pres-
ent of that you took out of the treasury." " Most willingly," re-
plied he, taking the box out of his bosom, and presenting it to in 3
with great good nature.

I was surprised at his parting with it so readily ; I opened the

288 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

box. and asked him the use of the pomatum. u It possesses," said
he, " when applied by me, very opposite and wonderful qualities.
If I anoint your left eye with it, you will see all the treasures con-
tained in the bowels of the earth j if I apply it to your right eye,
you will become blind."

I was desirous of trying the experiment, and desired the dervise
to rub some of it on my left eye. When he had done so, I saw
immense treasures, so diversified, that it is impossible for me to
describe, or any one to conceive them. Having contemplated
these for some time. I requested the dervise to put some of the po-
matum on my right eye also.

" How," replied he, starting, would you have me who have
done you so much service, become your enemy, and do you an ir-
reparable injury ? I call God to witness that if you persist in
your resolution, you will become blind immediately."

The more earnest the dervise was with me to desist, the more I
determined to persevere. I thought it was incredible that the po-
matum should have such opposite effects. I had no doubt but by
means of some of it, obtained elsewhere, the dervise had been
enabled to discover the treasure he had led me to ; and I reasoned
that if the pomatum being applied to one eye could show me all
the treasures of the earth, very probably by applying it to the
other, I might obtain the means of disposing of them. Prepos-
sessed with this opinion, I said to the dervise, " You have granted
me everything I have asked, deny me not this last favor. What-
ever consequences may ensue, I excuse you, and take them all upon
myself. If you persist in refusing me, I shall be convinced you
have some views of your own, which you wish to conceal : I shall
cease to consider you as my benefactor, and shall think myself en-
titled to make you repent your obstinacy." The menacing manner
in which I uttered these words alarmed the derviso. He made
haste to apply the pomatum to my right eye, and I instantly be-
came blind, as you see me now.

" Ah ! dervise," cried I, at that fatal moment, " what you told
me is too true. Unbounded avarice ! insatiable thirst of riches !
to what misery have you reduced me ! but you, dear brother/" 7 said
I to the dervise, " are charitable and good. Examine into the
wonderful secrets you know, and see if you have not one to re-
store me to my sight again."

" Miserable wretch," answered the dervise, (t thou hast thy

ENTERTAINMENT'S. 289

deserts ! the blindness of thy mind was the cause of the loss of thy
eyes. I have secrets; but none that can restore thec to sight
Pray to God, if thou believcst there is one: it is he alone who can
He gave thee riches, of which thou wert unworthy; he takes
them from thee again; and will by my hands bestow them upon
men who are not so wicked and so ungrateful as thou art."

The dervise said no more, and I had nothing to reply ; being
quite confounded, and plunged into inexpressible grief, I besought
him to take pity on my miserable situation ; and at least to con-
duct me to the first caravan ; but he was deaf to my prayers and
entreaties, and gathering up my camels he drove them away, leav-
ing me wretched, poor, and blind.

Thus was I reduced, by my own folly and wickedness, from a
condition worthy the envy of princes, to beggary. I got to Bag-
dad by the charitable assistance of some travellers, and as I have
no other way to subsist, I ask alms; but have enjoined it upon my-
self, by way of penance, to receive none, which are not accom-
panied by a blow from the hand which bestows them.

When the blind man had finished his story, the caliph said to
him, u Baba Abdallah ! thy sin is great but, God be praised !
thou art thyself sensible of the enormity of it. I will not suffer
this public penance. I will settle a charity on thee of four silver
drachms a day and thou mayest then devote the remainder of thy
days to prayer and private repentance, in which thou canst not bo
too much in earnest.

Then turning to the young man who had used his mare so bar-
barously, he demanded of him the cause of his inhumanity, when
he gave the following account of himself.

THE STORY OF SIDI NONMAN.

My name is Sidi Nonman. I succeeded a few years ago to a
moderate fortune, the produce of my father's industry and economy
My desires were suitable to my station ; and I only wanted a com
panion to share my felicity, and make it complete.

In this hope I married, some time since, and, as it is the custom
among us to marry without having seen the bride, I thought myself
fortunate, when my wife was brought home, to find her a very-
beautiful woman.

But the very day after our wedding, a circumstance occurred
which greatly abated my joy. When we sat down to dinner, J

13

290 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

began to eat rice with a spoon as usual; but my wife pulled a
little case out of her pocket, and taking out a bodkin, she picked
up the rice grain by grain.

I was surprised to see her eat in this manner, and entreated her
earnestly to eat as I did. She did not even condescend to answer
me; but continued to pick up her rice as she had begun. I be-
came angry; yet recollecting that she had not been used to eat
with men, I imputed her conduct to modesty; and left her after
dinner without showing any signs of displeasure.

As she continued this practice, I became seriously uneasy at it.
"When she did not eat rice, she would put a few crumbs of bread
into her mouth, but not so much as a sparrow could eat. I knew
it was impossible for any one to live on such little food, and con-
cluding there must be some mystery in the business, I determined
to dissemble, and while I seemed to take no notice of her actions,
to watch her with the closest attention.

One night when Amina (that was her name) thought me fast
asleep, she got out of bed, dressed herself, and went out very
softly. I feigned a sound sleep; but the moment she left the
room, I hastily slipped on my clothes, and followed her into the
street.

She went to a burying-place at the end of the town ; it was moon-
light. I got to the end of the wall, taking care not to be discov-
ered; and looking over, I saw Amina with a goule.

Your majesty, no doubt, knows that goules are wandering de-
mons, who generally resort to decayed buildings, whence they rush
on people passing by, kill them, and eat their flesh; and that in
want of prey, they will go by night into the burying-grounds and
feed upon the dead bodies.

I was exceedingly shocked to see my wife with this goule.
They dug up a body which had been buried that day, and the
goule cutting the flesh into slices, they ate together. I was 100
far off to hear their discourse, which no doubt was as horrid as
their feast.

I went home with ideas I know not how to describe, and laying
down, when Amina returned I pretended to be fast asleep. She
did not stay long after me, and coming to bed very silently, she
either fell asleep, or seemed to do so.

I was so struck with the abominable action I had seen, that it
was with reluctance I suffered her to lay by me. T arose at day-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 291

break, and went to the inosque. After prayers, finding my mind
greatly agitated, I passed the morning in the gardens, deliberating
with myself how I ought to act. I rejected all violent measures ;
and resolved that I would endeavor to reform her by gentle and
affectionate expostulation.

When I returned, and dinner was served, Amina ate as usual.
The table being cleared, I diew near to her and said, "Why, my
dear Amina, will you persist in despising my table, and not eating
your food with me ? I have tried every sort of dainty, yet you
still refuse to forego your contemptuous abstinence. Tell me, I
conjure you, Amina, are not the meats served up at my table bet-
ter than dead men ; s flesh ?"

I had no sooner uttered these words than she flew in a rage, her
face became distorted, her eyes were ready to start from her
head ; she even foamed with passion. Frightened at her appear-
ance, I sat immovable. In the midst of the most horrid execra-
tions, she threw some water in my face, and added, " Receive
the reward of thy impertinent curiosity." I instantly became a
dog.

My terror and grief at this transformation were extreme ; but my
attention was presently called to my safety ; for Amina presently
took up a great stick, and beat me till she was weary. She
then opened the street door, with an intent to squeeze me between
that and the wall ; but I was aware of her cruel design, and look-
ing earnestly in her face, I whipped through so nimbly as to escape
with only the loss of part of my tail.

The pain I felt made me cry out and howl. This brought me
a number of other dogs about me ; to avoid them I took shelter in
the shop of a tripe-seller. This man was, unfortunately, one of
those superstitious persons who think dogs unclean creatures;
and that, if by chance, one happen to touch one of them, no wash-
ing scarcelv is sufficient to make one clean again. While this
man was driving away the other dogs, I hid myself out of his
reach, and passed the night in his house, very much against his
inclination. Indeed, I stood in need of rest to recover Amina' s ill
ti eatment of me.

In the morning I crept out of my hole, but soon found from the
manners of my host, that I must seek another asylum. lie drove
me out of his house with great indignation. A few doors farthei
there lived a baker, of a temper very different from the tripe man

292 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

He was merry and good humored, whereas the latter was eaten
up with melancholy. To this baker I presented myself, and so
managed that he seemed to find out what I wanted ; for he not
only fed me, but showed me a place where to lie, which I imme-
diately took possession of.

My new master became very fond of me ; and I, on my part,
showed every mark of fidelity and attachment. One day a woman
came into the shop to buy some bread, and offered a piece of bad
money among some good. The baker refused it ; the woman in-
sisted it was good. "Good," replied my master; -'why, my very
dog knows better ! Here." said he, calling me to leap on the
counter, " tell me which of these pieces of money is bad ?" I look-
ed at Ihe several pieces, and putting my paw on the bad piece,
separated it from the others.

The baker who never in the least thought of my finding out the
bad piece, but only called me to banter the woman, was very
much surprised. The woman also was in confusion. My master
related the story to his neighbors, and the woman to her acquain-
tance ; so that the fame of my abilities was spread all over the
city ; and my master had so many new customers, who came to see
niy performance, that he owned to his neighbors I was a treasure
to him.

Many people endeavored in vain to steal me from my friendly
master ; but one morning a woman who came to try my knowledge
of money, upon my pointing out the piece that was bad, said, with
particular point, " Yes, thou art in the right of it; it is bad." She
stayed some time in the shop, and made me a signal, unobserved
by the baker, to follow her.

I was always attentive to anything which seemed likely to lead
to my deliverance. I took notice of the woman's singular be-
havior ; and when she was departing, I kept my eyes fixed upon
her. After she had gone a few steps, she turned about and again
made me a sign to go with her.

I hesitated no longer; but observing my master was busy, I
jumped off the counter, and followed her. She seemed overjoyed,
and after we had gone a little way, she opened a door and calling
me, said, " Thou wilt not repent thy coming with me."

She carried me into a chamber where there was a young lady,
working embroidery. "Daughter," said she, "I have brought
the baker's famous dog, that can distinguish money. Am I right

ENTERTAINMENTS. 293

in my conjecture that it is a man transformed into thfs animal ?"
w You are right, mother," replied the lady. Then rising up she
threw some water over me saying, " If thou wast created a dog,
remain so ; but if thou wert a man, resume thy former shape." At
that instant the enchantment was at an end, and I became a man
as before.

I returned proper acknowledgments to the two ladies to whom
I owed my deliverance; and at their desire related the circum-
stances that led to my transformation. " I know Amiiia well,"
said the young lady, ' ; we both learned magic under the same mis-
tress. But our tempers are different, and we have avoided each
other. I am not at all surprised at her wickedness, and will ena-
ble you to punish her as she deserves."

My benefactress withdrew to consult her books; and presently
returned with a little bottle in her hand. " Sidi Nonman," said
she, "your wife is now abroad, but will return speedily ; take this
little bottle, and go home immediately. When she comes home
meet her abruptly. She will then turn back to run away. Be
sure to have this bottle ready, and throw some liquor it contains
upon her, saying, boldly, ' Beceive the chastisement of thy wicked-
ness.' I will tell you no more, you will see the effect."

After repeating my thanks to my deliverers, I went home.
Amina was not long before she returned also. I met her in the
yard. As soon as she saw me s-he shrieked, and turned to run
away. I pursued the directions I had received, and she became
the mare your majesty saw me upon yesterday. I seized her and
led her into a stable, where I tied her to a manger, and whipped
her till I was weary, reproaching her all the while with her enor-
mities. Since then I have punished her every day, in the manner
your majesty saw ; and I hope you will think I have not dealt
too severely by so very wicked a woman.

" I do not absolutely condemn thy severity," replied the caliph ;
" thou hast certainly received great provocation ; but surely it is
severe punishment to be reduced into the number of beasts, and I
would have thee be content with that chastisement which I do not
desire should be done away, lest thou shouldst be exposed to more
mischief from thy wife's revenge."

The caliph then turned himself to the third person who had
been summoned. "Cogia Hassan,' 7 ' said he, " passing by thy house
yesterday, I was induced, by its handsome appearance, to inquire

294 ARABIAN NIGHTS

after the owner. I was informed, that not long since thou wabt
very poor, and could scarcely get bread for thy family ; yet thou
hast since built that palace, and livest plenteously. Thy neigh-
bors also speak well of thee ; as thou inakest a good use of thy
wealth.

"All. this pleases me ; but I am persuaded that thou hast ob-
tained riches in an unusual manner ; I am curious to know how
thou hast become wealthy ; speak the truth, that, when I know
thy story, I may rejoice with thee.' ;

Cogia Hassan paid the usual homage to the caliph, and thus
obeyed his commands.

THE STORY OF COGIA HASSAN ALHABBAL.

It is necessary, before I say anything to your majesty of my
own affairs, to acquaint you that there are now living in Bagdad
two intimate friends, whose manners are much alike, though their
fortunes vary. Saadi being very lich; while Saad enjoys with
content a moderate competence.

These persons had long debated on the different degrees in life ;
and the means of man's advancement in it. Saadi asserted that
setting idleness and vice out of the question, any man possessing a
moderate sum of money to begin the world with, must infallibly
grow rich. While Saad contended that accident often prevented,
and often promoted, the success of human affairs.

As they had frequently canvassed this matter over, Saadi put
two hundred pieces of gold in a bag, and said to his friend. "1
have resolved to try an experiment, whether my opinion is not well
founded. We will find out some honest, diligent artisan, who ia
poor. I will give him this sum to set him forward ; and I doubt
not a few months will prove the truth of this remark."

I was the fortunate man with whom trial was agreed to be made.
The friends came to me while I was busy in my paternal occupa-
tion of rope-making. My diligent attention to labor had been often
remarked by them in the course of their dispute : and my poverty
was apparent enough.

Saadi questioned me on the cause of my needy appearance,
" You are always at work," said he, " yet your circumstances do
not seem to improve !" "Alas, sir,'- replied I, " let me work as
hard as I will, I can hardly buy bread and pulse for my family. I
have a wife and five children whom I must feed and clothe; and

ENTERTAINMENTS. 295

in our poor way they still want a thousand necessaries 'which my
labor will not supply. It is enough if we are content with the lit-
tle God sends us ; satisfied to live in the way we have been bred
up, and thankful that we have no occasion to ask charity."

" But," said Saadi, u if I was to give you two hundred pieces of
gold, do you think that with such a sum you could get forward in
the world ?" " You do not look, sir," replied I, as if you meant
to banter me; I therefore answer, seriously, that such a sum
would, in a short time, make me richer than any man of my pro-
fession in Bagdad." The generous Saadi soon convinced me that
he was in earnest, for, putting the purse into my hand, he said,
(t Here is the sum I mentioned ; take it, and I pray God to bless you
with it All the return I desire is to see you make a good use of it,
and that we may have the pleasure to find it has contributed to
make you happier than you are now."

I was transported with joy at this unexpected event, and scarte
knew how to express my gratitude. The two friends, having re-
peated their good advice, left me ; and I began to consider wlrere
I should bestow my treasure, having neither box nor cupboard to
lock it up in. I had been used, as most poor people do, when I
had a little money, to put it in the foldings of my turban. I re-
Bolved to do so with this large sum; first taking out ten pieces for
present necessaries.

I then went and bought some hemp ; and as my family had
eaten no fresh meat for a long time, I went to the shambles and
bought some for supper. As I was carrying my meat home on my
head, a famished kite flew at it, and would have snatched it from
me. In the struggle it fell from my head, yet I still kept hold of
it. But my turban falling off, and some pieces of meat sticking to
it, the kite made a stoop at that, and catching it up, flew away
with it.

My sorrow for this loss was inconceivable. I had indeed laid
out part of the ten pieces in hemp ; yet a great part of what was
left went to buy a new turban. My hopes were all at an end. But
I can truly say that my greatest concern was that I should be
obliged to give my benefactor so bad an account of his liberal
donation.

While the remainder of the ten pieces lasted, my little family
and I fared the better for it ; but we soon returned to our usual
poverty. I did not, however, repine. " God," said I, " was pleased

296 ARABIA*? NIGHTS'

to give me riches when I least expected them ; and has thought
fit to take them away from me again. I will praise his name for
the benefits I have received, and submit myself entirely to his will."

In about six months, as I was at work. I saw the two friends
coming toward me, and heard Saad say, " I see no difference in the
appearance of Hassan Alhabbal, but that he hath got anew turban.
I doubt you will not find his affairs much mended."

By this time they were come so near, that Saadi, instead of
answering his friend, saluted me. " Well, Hassan," said he, : ' we
do not ask you how your affairs go since we saw you. No doubt j
they carry a better face."

" Gentlemen," replied I,*" I have the mortification to tell you
that your bounty to me has not prospered in my hands. I can
scarce expect you will believe the cause of your disappointment.
I assure you, nevertheless, on the word of an honest man, that
what I am about to tell you is exactly true." I then related to
them what had happened.

Saadi heard my account with incredulity and impatience. "What
a fable have you invented, Hassan," replied he, indignantly.
" Kites are birds of prey, who seek only the means of gratifying
their hunger. Who ever heard of their seizing turbans ? you have
done as other idle fellows do ; having unexpectedly obtained a sum
of money, you have neglected your affairs, and squandered it in
gratifying your appetites." The manner in which I bore these
reproaches convinced Saad that I did not deserve them. He took
my part warmly, and with so much success, that Saadi consented
to renew his experiment, and to give me two hundred pieces of
gold again.

When the friends left me I went home rejoicing. Finding neither
my wife nor children at home, I separated ten pieces from the
two hundred, and tied up the remainder in a clean linen cloth ;
but was at a loss where to place it that it might be safe. At last
J cast my eyes on a large jar which stood in a corner full of
bran. Amidst ll;is bran, which we seldom used, I deposited my
treasure, and having but little he-mp in the house, I went out to
buy some.

While I was gone my wife returned. It chanced that a sand-
man passed by, and, as we wanted sand and my wife had no money
to buy any, she struck a bargain with the sand-man to barier away
the jar of bran for a supply of his sand, and accordingly delivered

ENTERTAINMENTS. 297

|

it to him, with the hundred and ninety pieces of geld at the bot-
tom of it.

Soon after I returned laden with hemp, and in high spirits for
this second unexpected good fortune. But my joy was soon at ac
end when I missed the jar of bran. I hastily asked what was be-
come of it ; and soon learnt that by an unaccountable accident,
which I could neither foresee nor prevent, my hopes of fortune
were again destroyed.

But I was obliged to forget my own sorrow for a time, to sup-
port my wife who was inconsolable. "Women are often eloquent
in their grief. Her lamentations were excessive. I represented
to her that it was better to bear our loss patiently, than by clam-
orously lamenting it, excite the ridicule rather than the pity of
our neighbors. ' It is true," continued I, lt we have twice had the
means of becoming rich in our power, and each .time have lost
them by extraordinary chances. But though we are poor> do we
not breathe the same air, and enjoy the same light and warmth as
the wealthy ? If our means are still slender, let our wishes con-
tinue moderate, and then the difference between poor and rich
is but inconsiderable ; especially if we live as we ought to do, in
the fear of God." By these arguments I pacified my wife, and
returning cheerfully to my labor, I very soon recovered my spirits.

A considerable time afterward, as I was at work, I saw the two
friends coming toward me. I was covered with confusion, and
was about to run away and hide myself; but recollecting that
such a conduct would imply guilt, and though I was unfortunate
I was not criminal, I determined to face their reproaches.

When they came up to me, I directly told them the particulars
of my last misfortune, and that I was as poor as ever. I added,
" I see it has pleased God that I am not to be enriched by your
bounty. I am born to poverty ; but my obligation to you is as
great as if your generous intentions had taken place."

Saadi heard me out. and answered with good humor, " Though
all you tell us, Hassan, may be true, and our disappointment may
not be owing to your idleness or extravagance, yet I shall pursue
this experiment no further. I do not regret having given you
four hundred pieces of gold to raise you in the world ; I am only
sorry I did not meet with some other man who might have made
a better use of my charity. You see," said he, turning to Saad,
l< I do not give up my argument. It is now your turn to try. Let

298 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Hassan be the man ; and see if without giving him money you
can mend his fortune." Saad smiled, and having in his hani a
piece, of lead, which he had picked up in his walk, he gave it to
me, saying, " Here, Hassan, take this ; and see if one day you will
not give me a good account of it." Saadi laughed at his friend ;
and. indeed, I thought he was in jest. However, I took the lead
and thanked him, and put it in my pocket. The gentlemen pur-
sued their walk, and I returned to my work.

When I was going to rest, the piece of lead, which I had never
thought of from the time I received it, fell out of my pocket. I
look it up and put it on the shelf. The same night it happened
that a fisherman, who lived just by, was mending his nets, and
found a piece of lead was missing ; it was too late to buy any, and
he must either fish that night, or his family go without bread next
day. In this necessity he sent his wife to beg a bit of lead of any
of his neighbors ; but, as it was late, and everybody in bed, some
called out that they had none, others scolding her for disturbing
them, and many would give no answer at all. The poor woman
began to despair of success, when coming to my door, she thought
she would try once more.

She knocked accordingly, and called out for what she wanted,
I was in a sound sleep when she came but when I awoke I rec-
ollected the piece of lead which Saad had given me ; I arose and
gave it her. The fisherman's wife was so overjoyed, that she
promised we should have the first cast of the net' and when she
told her husband what had befallen her, he much approved her
promise.

At his first throw he caught only one large fish, which he put
by for me, and on his return gave it to me according to his wife's
promise. I accepted my neighbor's present very thankfully, and
carrying it home told my wife how I came by it. " It will be all,"
said I, " that we can expect from Saad's lead."

In gutting the fish, my wife found a large diamond, which she
supposed was a piece of glass. She washed it, and gave it to the
children for a plaything. At night, when the lamp was lighted,
the reflection of the light upon the diamond was so beautiful, that
they were ready to scramble for it, all making a violent noise.

There lived next door to me a very rich Jew, who was a jew-
eller. The noise the children had made having disturbed him,
his wife came next day to complain of it. My wife told her the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 200

cause of the clamor, and, reaching the diamond from the chimney,
showed her the piece of glass, as she called it, which she had
found in the belly of the fish, and which the children fell out
abovit.

The Jewess immediately knew it was a diamond of very great
value. She looked at it for some time, and then returning it to
my wife, said, coolly, u It is a pretty piece of glass enough : I have
got just such another and as they will match together, if you
will sell me yours, I will give you a trifle for it." The children
hearing this, began to entreat their mother not to sell their play-
thing; and to quiet them, she promised she would not. The Jew-
ess, being thus disappointed, took her leave ; but first whispered
my wife to desire, if it was sold, she might be the purchaser.

The Jewess hastened to her husband, who was at his shop, and
told him what had happened. She gave him such an account of
the diamond, that he sent her back directly, with orders to offer a
small sum at first for it, and so rise by degrees ; but by no means
to come away without it.

My wife was surprised to see the Jewess come again to our
house, for, as they were rich, and we poor, they had always hold
us in contempt. She came cow in a very familiar manner, and,
after talking of other things, she carelessly offered twenty pieces
of gold for the piece of glass. The sum appeared to my wife so
considerable, that she told her she could not part with it without
. consulting me.

When I came home to dinner, while my wife was giving this
account, the Jewess entered, and repeated her offer to me. It
struck me that Saad had given me that piece of lead to make my
fortune, and as I was revolving this in my mind, I did not answer
immediately ; on which the Jewess said. " If that won't do, I will
give you fifty."

She was unguarded for one moment, and that was enough, for
I told her I knew it was a jewel, and of great value. She laughed
at me ; yet continued advancing in price, till, by degrees, she had
offered me fifty thousand pieces of gold. I then told her I would
have a hundred thousand pieces for it ; on which she gave up the
matter, and we parted.

In the evening her husband came, and desired to see my dia-
mond, as he readily called it. Having examined it he offered me
seventy thousand pieoes ; after much caviling he came up to my

300 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

price, and paid me one hundred thousand pieces of gold, on my
delivering him the diamond.

Being thus enriched beyond my imagination, I determined not
to live a life of idleness. I took large warehouses, and engaged a
number of workmen in my own business ; and by diligence and
punctuality I am become the most considerable merchant in my
line.

I never forgot how much I owed to Saad and Saadi. I would
have gone and thrown myself at their feet, if I had known where
they lived; but I heard nothing of them for a long time : at length
the two friends, walking near my old habitation, recollected me,
and determined to inquire what had become of me. They were
surprised to hear that I now was a great merchant, had built a
large palace, and was no longer Hassan Alhabbal, or Hassan the
rope-maker; but Cogia Hassan, or Merchant Hassan.

They set out immediately for my house, and, as they walked,
Saadi said, tl I am overjoyed that I have raised Hassan's fortune,
but cannot forgive the two lies he told me, by which he obtained
four hundred pieces instead of two; for neither I, nor anyone
can imagine he has got rich by any other means." Saad smiled
and was silent.

When they arrived at my house, the grandeur of it struck them
so much that they could scarcely believe it belonged to the same
Hassan they had lately known in such extreme poverty. As soon
as I saw them I rose and ran to meet them, and would have kissed
the hem of their garments if they would have permitted me. They
congratulated me on my good fortune ; on my part I received them
with the sincerest joy, assuring them that I had not forgot that I
had been Hassan Alhabbal, or the obligations I had to them.

After they had sat down, Saadi said, " I am very glad ; Cogia
Hassan, to see you in this flourishing situation. I have no doubt
but that you have judiciously managed the four hundred pieces of
gold you received from me ; but it vexes me that you should have
invented two such incredible tales, when the truch would have done
you so much more honor."

In answer to this charge I related the manner in which I had
obtained my wealth. Saad rejoiced exceedingly in the adventure ;
but Saadi was not so soon convinced. " This story," said he, " of
the fish and the diamond found in his belly, is more unlikely than
those of the kite and turban, or the jar of bran ; be it as. it may,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 301

I am glad, Cogia Hassan, that you are no longer poor, and that I
am the cause of your good fortune.'' As I found it was in vain to
combat any further the prejudices of Saadi, I contended myself
with giving him a general answer expressive of my gratitude to
them both ; and desiring they would pass the evening with me, and
go the next day to my country house, which was not far from Bag-
dad, to which they agreed.

We arrived there next morning, and, walking in the garden, we
met my two sons and their tutor. It was the hour of their amuse-
ment, and the lads having found out a large bird's nest the day
before, had prevailed upon a slave to climb the tree and get it for
them. He came down with it just as we arrived.

On examining the nest we found it was built in a turban. The
circumstance excited all our attention, and we surveyed it closely ;
when I soon knew it to be the same turban the kite had snatched
from me. I pointed out to my guests the impossibility of any human
hand having formed such a nest, and the apparent certainty that
the turban must have lain in the tree a considerable time. I then
ordered my slave to pull it to pieces; and in it we found the hun-
dred and ninety pieces of gold in the same bag in which Saadi had
given them to me.

My benefactor could not dispute so manifest a truth. " I am
convinced." said he, "that you did lose the first sum I gave you, and
entirely acquit you of having obtained by fraud a second supply ;
but that you lost the last sum in a jar of bran, I cannot help doubt-
ing still. That money, I am yet inclined to think, was the first
etep to your present opulence." I had too much gratitude to con-
test with Saadi; I contented myself with joking with him on his
incredulity, and we pursued our amusements.

In the evening we returned to Bagdad ; and putting up our
horses, we continued in the stable to see them fed. By the negligence
of my servants, we were out of oats ; and the store-houses being
all shut, I sent a slave to a neighboring shop to buy some bran
lie returned with a jar, which he emptied before us. Saadi per-
ceived something bulky to fall out with the bran, stooped to pick
it up. It was a linen cloth heavy and tied very tight. Before ho
opened it, I recollected it ; and told him Providence would not
suffer us to part, till he was fully convinced of my integrity. We
found in it the other hundred and ninety pieces I had lost.

Saadi embraced me, and acknowledged himself overcome. Wo

302 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

agreed to give the two sums, so opportunely recovered, to the poor.
1 am rejoiced to finish my story by adding, that Saadi and Saad
received me into their friendship, which is one of the greatest felici-
ties of my present situation.

The caliph listened to this narrative with attention. When it
was finished, he said, " Cogia Hassan, I have not a long time heard
anything that has given me more pleasure, than this account of the
wonderful manner in which God has given thee riches. Continue
to return him thanks by the good use thou makest of his blessings.
The diamond which made thy fortune is in my treasury. Take
thy friends there, and I will order my treasurer to show it them.
Relate also thy story again to him, that he may put it in writing,
and keep it with the diamond."

The caliph then dismissed Cogia Hassan, Sidi Nonrnan, and
Baba Abdallah ; who, having taken leave by the customary saluta-
tions, retired.

THE STORY OF ALI BABA, AND THE FORTY THIEVES.

In a town in Persia, there lived two brothers, called Cassim and
Ali Baba. Their father had left the little substance he had be-
tween them but they were not equally fortunate. Cassim mar-
ried a wife who had a large fortune; and became a wealthy and
considerable merchant. Ali Baba married a woman as poor as
himself. His whole substance consisted of three asses, which he
used to drive to a neighboring forest, and loaded with wood, which
he sold in the town, earning thereby a hard maintenance for his
family.

One day when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cut WOCK
enough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a cloud of dust
which seemed to approach toward him. He observed it attentively,
and distinguished a large body of horsemen. As they drew near
he began to apprehend they might be thieves ; he therefore climbed
a tree, from whence he could sec all that passed, without being
discovered.

The troop came directly to the spot where Ali Baba had taken
shelter. He counted forty of them ; who dismounting, gave them
provender, then taking oft' their portmanteaus, they arranged them-
selves under the conduct of one who seemed to be their commander.
They were in fact a gang of banditti, who made that place their
rendezvous. The captain, traversing among the shrubs, said,

ENTERTAiNMEVrS. 303

' Sesame 77 (which is a kind of corn), ' open !" Immediately a door
opened in an adjoining rock when the captain and his troop went
in ; and the door shut again.

The thieves staid some time within the rock ; and All Baba, who
feared he should be surprised, if he attempted to escape, sat very
patiently in the tree till they came out again. The captain came
out first, and stood at the door till they had all passed him, when
he said, " Shut, Sesame !' ; The door closed immediately. Every
man then mounted his horse ; and the captain putting himself at
their head, they rode off together.

AH Baba stayed in the tree as long as he could see the least trace
of the dust they raised. He then descended, and presently found
out the door, and, remembering the words the captain had used, he
said, " Open, Sesame !" when the door flew wide open. He entered
the cavern, which he found spacious, and well lighted from the
top of the rock. The door shut after him ; but as he knew how
to open it, he was no ways alarmed. He found in the cavern a
great store of rich merchandise, and such an immense quantity of
gold and silver as convinced him that the cavern must have been
the repository of robbers for several generations.

He removed as many bags of gold close to the door, as he thought
his three asses could carry ; then pronouncing the spell, the door
opened, and he loaded them covering his treasure with a few
green boughs. When he got home, he drove his asses into a little
yard, and, removing the boughs, he carried the bags into his house.

When Ali Baba's wife found the bags were full of money, she
was alarmed fearing lest their poverty should have betrayed him
to rob somebody. He pacified her, by relating the story of his
good fortune. He then emptied the bags on the floor, which raised
such a heap of gold as delighted her. Ali Baba charged her to
be prudent and secret. He resolved to bury most of his treasure,
arid to emerge from his apparent poverty by degrees ; but his wife
disappointed his prudent purpose. In the playfulness of her fancy,
she would count the gold; but finding that business likely to be
very tedious, resolved to measure it. She went, therefore, to Cas-
sim's house, who lived just by, to borrow a small measure.

Cassim's wife was curious to know what sort of corn Ali Baba
had got. She went to another room to fetch the measure, and be-
fore she brought it to her, she rubbed the bottom all over with
suet. Ali Baba's wife went home, and filled the measure so often

304 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

with the gold, that the was very much pleased with the amount.
When she had done she carried back the measure, and delivered
it to the wife of Cassim, without observing a piece of gold which
stuck to the bottom of it.

When Cassim's wife saw the piece of gold her heart sunk
within her. " What ! 7; exclaimed she, " has Ali Baba money so
plenty as to measure it ? he whom we have always despised for
his poverty ! how has he obtained his wealth ? will he not now
retort our contempt, and out-figure us ?" She tormented herself
with these reflections till her husband came home, to whom she
related the story, and produced the measure with the piece of
gold.

Cassim joined his wife in her narrow and envious ideas. In-
stead of rejoicing at his brother's change of fortune, he now as
unjustly hated him, as he had before cruelly neglected and despised
him. After passing the night in that uneasiness which base pas-
sions ever excite, he arose early in the morning, and went to Ali
Baba. t( Brother," said he, " you are very reserved in your affairs.
You pretend to be miserably poor, yet have gold in such abun-
dance that you measur.e it P He then showed him the piece of
gold sticking at the bottom of the measure.

All Baba saw it was impossible to keep his secret from his
brother ; he therefore frankly related his adventure to him, and of-
fered him half the gold to conceal it. " No !' ; replied Cassim,
haughtily, li I will know where this treasure is, and the means of
coming at it, that I may go to it when I please; if you do not
agree to this, I will inform the. magistrate of the affair: when you
will be well off, if you escape with the loss of your newly-got-
ten wealth." Ali Baba knew this would be the case if Cassim in-
formed against him ; he therefore complied without murmuring;
described the spot to his brother very exactly; and told him the
words he must use to gain admission.

Cassim having obtained this information, prepared to avail him-
self of it with great diligence. lie purchased ten niules, and had
large panniers made to fit them exactly ; and the next morning he
set off before daybreak, resolving to be beforehand with his brother,
and to secure all the treasure to himself. He readily found the
rock and the door ; and when he had pronounced the words, " Open,
Sesame.'' the door flew open and he entered the cavern. He
was agreeably surprised to find the riches in it exceed his most

ENTERTAINMENTS. 306

sanguine expectation.. He spent some time in feasting his eyes
with the treasure ; after which he removed as many bags of gold
to the door as he thought his mules could carry, and regretted
that he had not brought a larger number; but when he wished to
open the cavern, his thoughts were so full of the great riches he
should possess, that he could not recollect the necessary word.
Instead of Sesame, he said, " Open, Barley,' 7 and was much alarmed
to find the door continue shut. He named several other sorts of
grain, to as little purpose. He walked about the cave several
hours with all the horrors of approaching death, which he knew
must befall him, if ihe thieves found him there. Regardless of the
treasure that surrounded him, he passed his time in lamenting his
unjust treatment of his brother, and in fruitless attempts to call to
mind the fatal word, which the more he tried to remember, was
the more absent from his recollection.

At length the thieves arrived, and seeing Cassim's mules strag-
gling about, they were alarmed. While some of them searched the
rock, others, with the captain at their head, drew their sabres,
went directly to the door, and speaking the proper words, it opened.
Cassim, who heard the trampling of the horses, never doubted
of the coming of the thieves, or of his own certain destruction.
He resolved to make one effort to escape. He stood ready at the
door, and no sooner heard the word "Sesame/' than he sprang out
briskly, and threw the captain down; but the other thieves with
their sabres presently dispatched him.

When they entered the cave they found all the bags which Cas-
sim had brought to the door to load his mules with. They easily
judged that when he was in, he could not get out again ; but
they could not conceive how it was possible for him to get there
at all. They agreed to cut the body into quarters and hang them
up within the door of the cave, to terrify any other person from a
like attempt. Having settled this and their other affairs, they again
took horse, and rode in pursuit of booty as usual.

In the meantime, Cassim's wife became very uneasy at his absence.
She passed the night in the utmost distress, condemning her own
impertinent curiosity, and dreading the evils which her heart fore-
boded had befallen her husband.

As soon as it was light she went to AH Baba. Her haughty
spirit was now subdued by grief and fear. She told him in tears,
that Cassim had set out for the cavern early the preceding morn-

306 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

ing, and was not yet returned ; she, therefore, besought his advice
and assistance. Ali Baba readily gave her both. He requested
her to compose herself, and to keep the whole affair a profound
secret ; and he set off immediately for the cavern to seek for his
brother.

As he drew near the rook, he was much shocked to see blood
spilled at the door. When he had pronounced the words, and the
cavern became open, he was still more affected at seeing tho
quarters of Cassim hung up on each side. Ali Baba determined to
pay him the last duties, notwithstanding his unbrotherly behavior.
He wrapped up the quarters in some fine stuffs which he found in
the cave, and loaded one of his asses with them ; but put upon
the other two as many bags of gold as they could carry; and
having covered the whole with wood, he entered the town in the
evening, drove the two asses laden with gold into his own little
yard, and led the other to the house of his late brother.

Cassim had a young slave, named Morgiana, who was remarka-
ble for her abilities. Quick, artful, and much attached to her
master and mistress, she had on many occasions discovered great
talents and fidelity. To this slave Ali Baba first related the catas-
trophe which had befallen her master, and leaving the body to her
disposal, he went into the house to condole with his sister-in-law.

Oassim's wife saw by his countenance that he brought fatal
tidings. Having first adjured her to hear him in silence, he then
told her everything that had happened. When she had indulged
her grief for some time, he proposed to her that she should be-
come his wife. 4 ' I have now," said he, " sufficient wealth for us
all; my wife has a regard for you and I am sure will not be
jealous : and you can no way dispose of yourself more to your
comfort.'' The widow let him see that she was not averse to
this proposal. He then took his leave and returned home.

Morgiana, meanwhile, went to a dealer in medicines and bought
an essence usually given in cases of great extremity; and being
asked who it was for, replied weeping, "It was for her dear mas-
ter, who had been suddenly taken ill, and they had scarce any
hopes of his recovery." Having thus sent abroad the news of
Cassirn's being dangerously ill, she prepared the next morning to
bury him.

There was an old cobbler in another part of the town, who was
remarkable for opening his stall every morning before daybreak,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 307

To him Morgiana went at that time, and putting a piece of gold
in his hand, bade him take his sewing tackle and follow her. Mus-
tapha (which was his name) was a merr j old fellow ; and finding he
was so well paid beforehand, he jumped up to go with her, say-
ing very pleasant things on the occasion.

When they had proceeded a little way, Morgiana told him it
was necessary to blindfold him. The cobbler objected to this. "I
was afraid, ' ; said he, "your pay was too good to be earned easily.
You want me to do something against my conscience and honor."
u God forbid!" replied Morgiana, putting another piece of gold
into his hand; "come along with me, and fear nothing."

The other piece of gold set everything to rights with the cob-
bler's honor. He submitted to be blindfolded ; in which situation
he was led to the room where Cassim's body lay. ; 'Sew me these
quarters together quickly," said Morgiana/' and I have another piece
of gold in store for you." Mustapha obeyed, and having done the
business, was conducted back by Morgiana in the same manner he
came, before any of the inhabitants of the town were stirring.

The body was then put into a cofiiu, and when the people of the
mosque, whose business it is to wash the dead, offered to per-
form their duty, they were told it was already done. Everything
passed without the least suspicion. In a few days Ali Baba re-
moved his goods to the house of his brother's widow, taking care
to convey the gold thither by night ; and his marriage wiva bis
sister (which is common in our religion) was made public.

While this was passing in the town, the thieves had returned to
their cavern, and found that Cassim's body and some of their gold
had been taken away. " It is plain," said the captain to his com-
panions, u that we are discovered ; and that our secret is known to
another besides him we put to death. We must lay aside every
enterprise to detect this intruder ; we must risk every danger to
effect it, or our riches, the reward of so many gallant excursions, will
be insensibly pilfered from us."

The thieves agreed to this proposal. " I expected no less," said
the captain, " from your courage and bravery nor do I fear, but
by judicious management, we shall cut off our enemy before he has
revealed our secret to any other person, which he will scarcely do
soon. Let one of us disguise himself as a traveller, and go into
the town. He must try if he can hear of any one having been
cruelly murdered. If he succeeds, let him find out the house

308 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

where it happened, and then return to us. But more to insure
wariness than to guard against treachery, let us agree that whoever
goes, if he brings us a false or imperfect report, he shall pay for
his inattention with his head."

Without waiting for the suffrages of his companions, one of the
party started up, and said, " I submit myself to this law, and think
it an honor to expose my life by taking such a commission upon
me. Only remember, that if I do not succeed, that I neither
wanted courage nor good-will to serve my troop."

The brave fellow received the thanks and applause of the captain
and his comrades. Next morning he entered the town by break of
day, and coming to Mustapha's stall, who was at work, the robber
entered into conversation with him, and observed that he must
have good eyes to see to work so early. u Good eyes," replied
Mustapha, testily, ' yes, yes; my eyes are good enough, I assure
you. It was but very lately I sewed a dead body together, which
had been cut in quarters, in a place where I had less light than I
have here."

The robber was overjoyed to find he was so soon likely to suc-
ceed in his inquiry. He asked Mustapha many questions, arid at
last putting a piece of gold into the old man's hand, he requested
he Avould earn that by showing him the house where he performed
the task he had mentioned.

The cobbler accepted the gold, but said, li I cannot show you the
house, as I was conducted to it blindfolded. " Well,' 7 replied the
robber, li let me blind your eyes, and do you proceed as nearly as
you can in the same direction, and as every one ought to be paid,
if you will gratify me, I will give you another piece of gold."

Mustapha wanted no further entreaty. He let the robber blind
him at the end of the street, and went on till he came to the door
of Cassim's house, where Ali Baba now lived. When stopping, he
said, < ; I think I went no further than here." The robber, before
he pulled off the bandage, marked the door with a piece of chalk;
after which he dismissed Mustapha, and prepared to make a private
inquiry after the owner of the habitation.

He learned that the late possessor died suddenly, and that Ali
Baba. who a very little before was miserably poor had married the
widow, and was become wealthy ; but not by this marriage, as he
had given Cassim's sou all his father's property. From these cir-
cumstances the robber was at no loss to conclude that Cassim was

ENTERTAINMENTS. 809

the person who was slain, and that All Baba was the other pos-
sessor of their secret. He returned to his companions with ex-
ultation ; he related to them his good fortune, and they, with many
praises, congratulated him and each other.

In the evening, the captain and the spy set forward for the town-
The whole troop followed in separate parties well armed., and met
in the great square, to act as their leader should direct; but when
the two former came to the street where 'AH Baba lived, the rob-
ber could not distinguish the house; for Morgiana, having taken
notioe of the mark on her master's door, thought it had a particular
appearance ; she therefore took a piece of chalk, and marked the
doors of all their neighbors so exactly like it, that it was impossible
to distinguish one from another. The design being thus ren.
dered abortive, the thieves returned to the cavern, where their un-
fortunate comrade, being condemned by their unanimous suffrages,
was put to death.

But as so much light h'id been obtained by the first adventure,
and as the cutting off of their enemy was of so much conqcrn to
them all, another of the troop, flattering himself that he should
succeed better, undertook the dangerous business. By renewing
the inquiry, he easily found out the house, which Jie marked
with red chalk in a part remote from sight, and returned with
confidence to his companions. Nothing escaped the watchfulness
of Morgiana. The former affair had alarmed her ; and when she
saw the red mark, she repeated the former caution, and marked
every house in the street in the same manner. The second spy,
therefore, was as unsuccessful as the first. The troop, once more
disappointed, returned to their cavern, and put their other com-
rade to death, agreeable to the law they had all consented to.

The captain, grieved for the loss of his two gallant companions,
resolved to undertake the affair himself.

Having found out Ali Baba's house, he did not fix any mark upon
it, but took so much notice of it, that it was impossible he could
mistake it. He then returned to his companions, and laid before
them a scheme to cut off their adversary without noise or danger.

The troop approved their captain's proposal. They provided
many large jars, some of which they filled with oil ; and having
bought stout mules in the adjoining villages, the captain put his
troop into the other jars, and placing them on panniers on the
backs of mules, drove them, toward evening, into the town.

310 ARABIAN MIGHTS'

Going immediately to Ali Baba's house, he found him sitting at
the door, enjoying the cool of the evening. The pretended oil-
merchant requested Ali Baba that he would receive him for that
nijiht, as he was a stranger, and knew not where to go. His re-
quest was readily granted. The servants unloaded the mules, and
took care of them ; and Ali Baba received his treacherous guest
with the hospitality becoming a good Mussulman.

Before they retired to 'rest, Ali Baba told Morgiana that he
would bathe early in the morning, and directed her to have his
bathing-clothes and some broth ready. This obliged her to sit up
after her master and his guest had retired; and the latter, hearing
it, resolved to lay down in his clothes, and not give the signal while
Morgiana was stirring, for fear of a disappointment.

It happened, while she was busy, that her lamp grew dull : and
having no oil in the house, she recollected the jars in the yard,
from whence shu resolved to supply herself. Upon opening the
first she came to, the thief within said, softly, " Is it time ?" to which
Morgiana, with admirable presence of mind, replied, u Not yet; but
presently ! ;; She then examined all the jars, and found there were
in them seven-and-thirty armed men, a few jars only being filled
with oil.

Morgiana soon concluded who these men were. She hastily
called up another slave, named Abdallah, and bringing several
jars of oil into the kitchen, they heated a part of it boiling hot.
This she poured into one of the jars, by that means killing the thief
that was concealed in it. She did so till she had destroyed all the
seven-and-thirty thieves, when she put out her fire and went to
bed.

The captain had waited with great impatience for her doing so.
As soon as all was quiet, he went to his window, and threw stones
at the jars, which was the signal agreed on for his companions to
release themselves. Finding none of them stir, he began to be
uneasy : and repeated the signal two or three times. He then
became impatient and alarmed ; and hastening down to the jars, he
opened one of them. The steam of the boiling oil soon informed
him of the fate of his friends. He had the resolution to open
every jar in hopes that some of them might have escaped, but in
vain. They were all dead. The captain was so enraged at the
failure of his design, and at the loss of so many brave fellows,
that he would certainly have sacrificed his own life, in a public

ENTER TA IN MEN'l'S . 311

attack on AH Baba, had not hopes of more complete vengeance
darted into his mind, and encouraged him to make his escape.

In the morning, Morgiana, acquainted her master with what had
happened. Ali Baba, grateful for such important services, gave
her her freedom, and a large sum of money ; but she was so much
attached to the family, that she continued to live with them, and
superintend the other slaves in their business.

The captain of the thieves returned to the forest in a transport
of rage and despair. When he arrived at the cavern, the loneli-
ness of the place seemed frightful to him. " Where are you, my
brave lads !" cried he, " my old companions ? how unhappy to lose
you by a fate so base ! had you died with your sabres in your hands,
I should not have been inconsolable. Where shall I get so gallant
a troop again ? butfiftst let me sacrifice the wretch to whom I owe
this fatal misfortune." He then endeavored to compose his mind,
that he might the more safely and effectually exejcute his revenge
on Ali Baba.

The captain suffered several weeks to pass by before he set
about the scheme he had planned for the destruction of his enemy.
By this means he hoped Ali Baba ; s vengeance would relax, arid
he himself should be more cool in his measures. He passed
much of his time in the town, where he learned that Cassim ; s son,
now adopted by Ali Baba, had a very considerable shop.

He also took a shop, which he plentifully supplied from the
cavern with all sorts of rich stuffs. He appeared as a merchant,
and having a large assortment of valuable goods, was treated by
everybody with respect. Young Cassim was among those who
sought the regard of the new merchant, and soon became his de-
clared favorite. He loaded the young man with civilities, often
made him small presents, and invited him continually to dine and
sup with him.

As young Cassim did not keep house, he had no opportunity to
return these obligations. He therefore introduced the stranger to
Ali Baba, who received him very cordially. When evening drew
on, the captain appeared desirous to takft his leave ; but his host,
who was much taken with his pleasant manner, pressed him to
Btay to supper. After some excuses, the pretended merchant said,
M I would accept your friendly invitation, but I eat no salt in any
of my food. 7 ' <: Well," replied Ali Baba, " we will have the supper
dressed without any."

312 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

When Morgiana received this direction, she was much dissatis-
fied. " Who is this difficult man," said she, " that eats no salt ?"
" Be not displeased with him for that," replied Ali Baba ; " he is
my son's friend and an honest man."

Though Morgiana obeyed her master, and sent up supper as he
desired, she was still uneasy at the request his new guest had
made ; she therefore carried in one of the dishes herself on pur-
pose to look at him. The moment she entered the room she knew
him, notwithstanding his disguise, and examining him pretty closely,
she saw a dagger under his garment. " I am not surprised,"
thought she, " that this wretch, who is my master's greatest enemy,
will eat no salt with him, since he intends to assassinate him but
I will prevent him."

Accordingly, as soon as supper was removed, she entered the
room dressed like a dancer, with a silver girdle, to which hung a
poignard of the same metal. She played on a tabor, and danced
several dances with great spirit. At length, drawing the poignard,
she pointed with it to a little chink in the side of the tabor, where
spectators generally give their gratuity to those who dance for a
livelihood and going to Ali Baba, he put in a piece of gold, as
did his son. She then drew near the visitor, and, while he was
putting his hand in his purse, plunged the poignard into his bosom.

Ali Baba and his son cried out against her for this violent act;
but she soon called to their recollection the pretended oil merchant,
and showed the arms he had concealed. The unfortunate robber
confirmed her testimony, by lamenting, before he expired, amidst
his execrations and despair, that he was the last of the forty thieves
to whom the cavern had belonged.

Ali Baba received, with due gratitude, this further instance of
Morgiana's attachment ; and Cassim was so pleased with her spirit
and good sense, that he took her to wife. The whole treasure in
the cavern became now safely the property of Ali Baba. He taught
his son the secret, which he handed down to posterity ; and using
this good fortune with moderation, they lived in great honor, serv-
ing the chief offices of th*e city.

THE STORY OF ALI GOGIA, MERCHANT OF BAGDAD.

There lived at Bagdad a reputable merchant, named Ali Cogia,
of a moderate fortune ; contented with his situation, and therefore
happy

ENTERTAINMENTS. 313

It happened that for three nights following, ho dreamed that a
venerable old man came to him, and, with a severe look, repri-
manded him for not having made a pilgrimage to Mecca. All
Cogia knew, that, as a good Mussulman, it was his duty to under-
take such a pilgrimage, but he contented himself with determining
to set about it some distant day ; when that day came, he was
never without an excuse to postpone his journey, and renew hi.s
resolution.

These dreams awakened his conscience. He converted his sub-
etance into cash ; half of which he laid out in merchandise, to
traffic with as he journeyed. The other half he deposited in ajar,
which he filled with olives, and requested a friend of his to suffer
it to remain in his warehouse till the caravan should return from
Mecca. He mentioned it as a jar of olives only, without saying a
word of the money at the bottom of it. Noureddin, which was the
name of his friend, very obligingly gave him the key of his ware-
house, and desired him to set his jar where he pleased, promising
it should remain untouched, till his return.

When the caravan was ready, AH Cogia set out for Mecca, where
he performed very exactly all those ceremonies which are observed
at that holy place. The duties of his pilgrimage being completed,
he went to Cairo, and thence to Damascus, trading all the way
to considerable advantage. Having a great desire to see the world,
he went to other celebrated cities, taking Jerusalem in his way,
that he might view the temple, which is looked upon by all Mus-
sulmans to be the most holy, after that of Mecca. In short, he
took so long a journey, that seven years elapsed before he returned
to Bagdad.

All this time the jar of olives stood undisturbed in Noureddin's
warehouse. But it so fell out, a few days before Ali Cogia came
home, that the wife of Noureddin chanced to wish for some olives.
This brought to his mind the jar his friend had left with him so
long &o. He determined to open and examine them. His wife in
vain represented to him how base and dishonorable it was to med-
dle with anything left in his hands as a trust. Noureddin was
obstinate ; he opened the jar, and found all the olives at the top
were mouldy. Hoping to find them better at the bottom, he emptied
them all out, and with them turned out the bag of gold which Ali
Cogia had deposited there.

Nonroddin was a man whose general conduct was specious. Ha

14

314. ARABIAN NIGHTS*

was exceedingly careful to preserve his reputation. But in hia
heart he was a slave to avarice; and like all other very covetous
men, lie was as honest as his interest obliged him to be. At the
sight of so much money, he determined to seize it, and finding it
impossible to replace the olives so as to appear as they were be-
fore, ho opened the jar, threw them away, and filled it with new
ones.

When Ali Gogia arrived, his first care was to visit Noureddin.
This traitor affected great joy to see him again after so long an
absence; and of his own accord offered him the key of his ware-
house to fetch his jar.

When Ali Gogia had conveyed the jar home and turned it out,
he was surprised to see that his gold had been taken away. He
returned to Noureddin, and endeavored, by friendly reasoning, to
prevail with him to do justice. The base merchant wa<* callous to
every consideration of that kind. He concluded that as Ali Cogia
could produce no proof of his having lodged treasure in .the jar,
his Own general fair character would bear him out against one who
had been absent so long, that he was almost unknown in his native
city. Nor was he mistaken. The cady, hearing Ali Cogia's corn-
plaint, called upon Noureddin for his defenc-e ; who said, li ; Tis
true that Ali Cogia, seven years ago, at his own request, left a jar
in my warehouse, which he told me was filled with olives. I never
saw the jar. He carried it thither himself, left it where he pleased,
and found it in the same place, covered as he left it. He did not
place it in my care as a treasure. He has no witness to prove that
he put a treasure in it. Might he not as well have demanded a
jar of diamonds ? In short, I declare that I never had this money*
or even knew there was any in the jar ; this I am ready to declare
on my oath." The cady, finding Ali Cogia could bring no testi-
mony to confirm his bare assertion, determined the affair by a short
process ; and admitting Noureddin to justify himself on oath, dis-
missed the complaint. The sufferer did not so easily put up with
his loss. He appealed to the caliph, and a day was fixed for the
hearing in the divan, Noureddin being duly summoned to attend.

The evening before the cause was to come on, the caliph and
his vi/.ier were walking in disguise about the city, when they met
with a group of children, and heard one of them say, ' Come, let
us play at the cady. I will be the cady ; bring Ali Cogia, and the
merchant who cheated him of his gold, before me." The caliph,

KNTEJITAINMENT3. 3 15

being reminded by these words of the cause which was to come
before him next day, attended to the motions of the children.

The pretended cady took his seat. Presently one of the chil-
dren, representing All Oogia, repeated his complaint ; and another,
as Noureddin, made the same answer he had done, and offered to
confirm his innocence by an oath. Another boy was about to ad-
minister the oath, but the imaginary cady prevented him, saying,
" Let me see the jar of olives." It was supposed to be brought
forward ; and each party owned it to be the identical jar in dis-
pute. The young cady then ordered it to be opened, and pretended
to eat some of the fruit. " These olives/'' said he, " arc excellent ;
I cannot think they have been kept for seven years. Send for a
couple of olive merchants."

Two other lads stood forward as olive merchants. The pretended
cady demanded how long olives would keep fit to eat. They
answered, " That with the utmost care they would Jose their taste
and color by the third year." " Look, then," said the young cady,
" into that jar, and tell me how old those olives are."

The two imaginary merchants seemed to examine and taste the
olives, and reported them to be new and good. ' New !" replied
the judge; "Noureddin is ready to swear they have stood seven
years in his warehouse !" <: It is impossible," said the young mer-
chants; "we know better, and are sure that these olives are of the
present year's growth."

The imaginary criminal would have replied, but the young cady
would not hear him. " You are a rogue," said he. " and ought to
be hanged." The children put an end to their play, by clapping
their hands with a great deal of joy, and seizing the criminal to
carry him to execution.

The caliph listened to what passed with much attention ; and
after musing a few moments, he ordered his grand vizier to find
out the boy who had represented the magistrate, and bring him to
tli3 divan -next morning. He directed the cady and two olive mer-
chants to attend ; and sent orders to All Cogia, that he should
bring the jar of olives with him.

When the divan met, and alf the parties attended, the child was
presented to the caliph, wao asked him if it was he who deter-
mined the cause last night at play, between Ali Cogia and Nourcd-
diu ? The boy modestly answered, " It was ;" the caliph seeing
the child was awed by his presence, embraced and commended

316 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

him. " You shall now, my dear/ 7 said he, " decide between the
real parties ; come, and sit down by me.' 7 Then turning to All
Cogia and his adversary, 'he bade them plead their cause before
that child, who should do them both justice. " If,' 7 continued the
caliph, " he should be at a loss, I will assist him.' 7

The attention of every one present was turned, in an extraordin-
ary degree, to this singular trial. All Cogia and Noureddin plead-
ed against each other much in the same manner as the children
had done the evening before; when Noureddin offered to take his
oath, the boy said, " It is too soon ; let us see the jar of olives. 77

An examination of the quality and age of the fruit now took
place: everything which had passed among the children, in their
play, was repeated, seriously, before the caliph, in the divan. The
treachery of Noureddin was apparent, when the child, instead of
ordering him to be hanged, looked up to the caliph, and said
"Commander of the faithful, this is not play; it is your majesty
that must condemn him to death, and not me, though I did it last
night among my comrades. 77

The caliph, fully convinced of Noureddiu's villany, ordered
him into the hands of his ministers of justice, to be hanged im-
mediately; and confiscated his effects to the use of Ali Cogia.
Then turning to the cady, the monarch reprehended him severely, .
and bade him learn from that child how to do his duty in future.
At the close of the divan, the caliph again embraced the boy, and
sent him home to his parents with a purse of gold and the applause
his early abilities deserved.

THE HISTORY OF THE ENCHANTED HORSE.

On the Nevrouz, that is to say, the new day, which is the first of
the year, and the beginning of the spring, there is an ancient and
solemn least observed through all Persia, which has continued from
the time of idolatry ; nor could the pure religion of our holy
prophet prevail over that heathenish custom. Superstitious cere-
monies, mixed with public rejoicings, mark the Nevrouz, which is
celebrated in every town and village in that extensive kingdom.

At the court, this feast is always attended with the greatest
splendor; and it was some years ago a custom that all artists,
natives or strangers, were allowed at that time to produce their
several inventions before the king; who never failed to confer
liberal rewards on those whose abilities deserved them.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 317

Near the close of one of those feasts an Indian presented him-
self before the king, having an artificial horse, of the most perfect
workmanship, richly accoutred. " I flatter myself, shy ; said the
Indian, addressing himself to the king, " that your majesty hath
never seen anything so wonderful as this horse, either now, or at
any former Nevrouz." The king surveyed the horse with atten-
tion. " I see nothing," said he, " but a fine piece of sculpture,
which any able artist may equal."

" Sir," replied the Indian, " it is not his form, but his use that I
commend so highly. On his back I can convey myself through
the air. to the most distant part of the earth, in a very short
time. I can even instruct any other person to ride in the same
manner. Such is the curiosity I have the honor to present to your
majesty's notice "

The king was highly pleased with this account of the Indian's
horse; and desired to see a proof of his abilities. "There is."
said the king, pointing to a mountain about three leagues off,
u there is on the summit of that mountain, a palm-tree of a par-
ticular quality, which I should know from all others ; go. fetch me
a branch of it."

The Indian mounted his horse, and turning a peg which was
in the neck, away he flew with him, and they were presently out,
of sight. Within a quarter of an hour he was seen returning with
a palm-branch in his hand, which, as soon as he had descended
and alighted, he laid at the king's feet.

The king was greatly pleased with this extraordinary perform-
ance ; and resolved to purchase the hort*e if he could prevail with
the owner to part with him. Accordingly, he asked the Indian if
he was to be sold. " Sir." replied the Indian, " I should not have
produced my horse to your majesty, if it had been absolutely im-
possible for me to sell him. Yet the artist from whom I received
him laid me under the most solemn injunction that I should never
part with him for money ; nor indeed on any terms, but such as I
might request your pardon before I presume to name them."

The king impatiently answered that he forgave his demand, even
if it was to reach his crown ; but he reserved to himself the
power of refusal, if he thought that demand too exorbitant. The
Indian then replied that he was ready to resign his horse if his
majesty would condescend to bestow on him the princess, hia
daughter, in marriage.

318 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

When the courtiers heard this extravagant request, they all
burst into load laughter ; but the prince Firouz Schah, the only
son of the king, was enraged, and the more so when he saw the
king pensive, debating w r ith himself what answer to return. Going
up to his father, he said, " I entreat your majesty will pardon the
liberty I am about to take but is it possible you can hesitate a
moment what answer to make to this insolent fellow ? Can you
bear to think of degrading our house by an alliance w r ith a scan-
dalous juggler ?"

The king approved of his son's spirit, but argued that if he re-
fused to comply with the Indian's proposal, perhaps some other
sovereign might be less nice, and by that means become possessed
of the greatest curiosity in the world. He concluded his discourse
by desiring his son to examine the horse attentively, and give his
opinion of him.

Respect for his father made him receive these orders in silence.
He approached the horse, and the Indian drew near to instruct the
prince in the method of managing him but the haughty young
man was in too great a fury to listen to him. He spurned the
kneeling Indian with the most hearty indignation, and leaping into
the saddle, ho turned the peg, and the horse flew away with him.
The Indian was exceedingly alarmed \vhen he saw the prince
depart before he had learned how to manage the horse. He threw
himself once more at the king's feet, and besought his majesty
not to impute to him any accident which might befall the prince,
since his own impetuosity only had exposed him to danger. The
king had no apprehension for his son, till he saw the Indian so
terrified. He then felt all the horrors of the prince's situation.
He execrated the Indian and his fatal horse, and ordered his offi-
cers to seize and conduct him to prison. il If my son does not
return safe," said he, "in a short time, thy paltry life, at least,
shall be sacrified to my vengeance."

In the meantime, Firouz Schah was carried through the air
with inconceivable swiftness, till at length he could scarcely dis-
cern the earth at all. He then wished to return, which he expected
to do by turning the peg the contrary way ; but when he found
the horse continued to rise from the earth, and proceed forward at
the same time with greater swiftness, he was alarmed and began to
regret his pride and anger. He turned the peg about e\ ery way
to no purpose : in this situation he retained, notwithstanding, a

ENTERTAINMENTS. 319

perfect presence of Ljind, and, on examining the horse closely, he
at last perceived another peg behind the ear. On turning that
peg, he presently found that he descended in the same oblique
manner that he had mounted, but not so swiftly.

As he drew near the earth, he lost the light by degrees, till he
came into total darkness. He did not attempt, therefore, to guide
the horse ; but waited patiently, though not without apprehen-
sions, till he should alight.

It was midnight when the horse stopped, and Firouz dismount-
ed, faint with hunger and fatigue. He groped about and found
he was on the leads of some large building : at length he came to
some steps which he descended, and rambled about in the dark for
some time at last, on opening a door, he found a light, and savr a
number of black eunuchs asleep on pallets, with their sabres lying
by them. This convinced him that he was in a palace, and thai
this chamber was the guard-room of some princess. As lie knew
if any of the eunuchs should awake, he should be in great danger
he resolved to enter the next apartment, and throw himself on the
mercy of the lady who inhabited it.

He found there asleep on a sofa a young lady whose exquisite
beauty captivated his heart the moment he beheld her. Her
women were sleeping in little beds around her. The prince gazed
on her for a long time, forgetful of his situation ; and, at length,
by an involuntary impulse, he knelt down, and gently pulling her
hand toward him he kissed it.

The motion awakened the princess, who was surprised to find a
stranger at her bedside. She would have cried out, but Firouz
besought her patience. He told that he was the son of a king, and
that a very extraordinary accident, which he would relate, had
brought him to the necessity of claiming her protection.

The lady was the daughter of the king of Bengal. Many of
her attendants were by this time awakened. She told Firouz,
therefore, that she should be glad to hear the particulars of his
adventure in the morning, but for the present besought him to
withdraw. At the same time she ordered her attendants to con-
duct him to a chamber, and supply him with such refreshments as
he wanted.

The prince attended her the next day, and related to her all the
particulars of the arrival of the Indian with his horse, of his in-
solent demand, and its consequences. He concluded his account of

320 AiiiBiAN NIGHTS'

his journey by observing, that how much soever he had leen en-
raged at the Indian, he now began to consider him as a benefactor
" feince," added he, u he has been the cause of my being known to
a lady, whose chains I shall be proud to wear as long as I live :}

The princess received this compliment in such a manner as
ehowed it was very acceptable to her. She invited the prince to
repose a few days in her palace, to recover himself from the
fatigue and alarm he had undergone. He accepted this invita-
tion; and being much together, they became more and more
enamored with each other. And, at last, when filial duty obliged
Firouz to think of returning to Persia, the fond princess, fearing
she should see him no more, dropped a hint that she should not be
afraid to trust herself with him on the enchanted hor-se ; and the
prince, equally enamored, failed not to confirm her in this rash
disposition.

Everything being agreed on between the lovers, they repaired,
one morning at daybreak, to the leads where the horse still re-
mained ; and, having turned his head toward Persia, Firouz assist-
ed the princess to ir.ount him. He then placed himself before
Her, and turning the peg, they were out of sight before any of the
attendants in the palace were stirring; and in two hours the
prince discovered the capital of Persia.

He would not alight at the king's palace, but directed his course
to a neat pleasure-house, in a wood, a little distance from town,
that he might inform his father who the lady was, and secure her
a reception suitable to her dignity. When they alighted, he led
her into a handsomo apartment, and ordered the keeper of the
house to show her all imaginable respect. He then hastened to the
palace, where the king received him with unspeakable joy. Firouz
related to his father all that had befallen him, and the king was so
delighted with his son's safe arrival, that he readily complied with
his desire that the nuptial ceremonies between him and the princess
should be immerl lately celebrated.

While the necessary preparations were making, the king ordered
the Indian, who was to have been executed the next day. to be re-
leased from prison, and brought before him " My son's safe ar-
rival." said the king to him, " hath preserved thy life. Take thy
horse, and begone from my dominions; where, if thou art ever
seen again, I will not fail to put thee to death." The Indian being
then freed from his chains, and set at liberty, withdrew in silence.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 321

But he meditated a severe revenge. lie had learned from those
who fetched him out of prison, that Firouz had brought home with
him a beautiful princess, to whom he was about to be married.
He was told also that she was at the house in the wood, where he
was directed to go and take away his horse. While Firouz was
preparing a good retinue to conduct the princess in great state to
the palace, the Indian hastened to the house in the wood, and told
the keeper he was sent by the prince to conduct her, on the horse,
to the capital; and that the whole court and people were waiting
with impatience for the wonderful sight.

The keeper knew that the Indian had been imprisoned on account
of the prince's absence ; and, seeing him now at liberty, he believed
all he said. He presented the traitor to the princess, who not
doubting but he came from Firouz, readily agreed to go with him.
The Indian, overjoyed at his success, mounted his horse, took the
princess behind him, and turning the peg, the horse immediately
ascended into the air. The king and his whole court were on the
road to the house in the wood, to conduct the princess of Bengal
from thence to the palace; when the Indian, to brave them, and
revenge the severe treatment he had received, passed several
times over their heads with his prize. The rage and grief of the
king were extreme. He loaded the ravisher with a thousand exe-
crations, in which he was joined by the courtiers and people. The
Indian, having expressed his contempt for them, and his triumph
over the king and his son, his horse set forward, and was presently
out of sight.

But who can describe the horror and despair of Firouz, when he
saw his beloved princess torn from him by a vile Indian, whom he
before detested; and found himself unable to afford her the least
assistance. At first he abandoned himself to despair; but recollect-
ing that such a conduct would neither recover the princess nor pun-
ish the ravisher, he restrained his affliction, and began to consider
how he could best effect these desirable purposes. He put on the
habit of^a dervise, and left the palace the same evening, uncertain
which way to go, but determined not to return till he had found
his princess again, and could bring her with him.

In the meantime, the Indian having pursued his journey for
several hours alighted in a wood, near the capital of Caschmire
As he was hungry himself, and doubted not but the princess wai*
so too, he left her by the side cf a brook, and fleAv away on *he

14*

322 ARABIAN NIGHTS

horse to the city, to procure provisions. The princes? made the
best use in her power of his absence ; and though faint for want
of food, she travelled on, and had got a considerable distance from
the place where the ravisher left her, when she had the mortification
to see him return, and alight close by her ; for the Indian had
wished to be set down wherever the princess was, and the horse
always obeyed the desire of the rider.

The Indian produced some wine and provisions, and ate heartily,
urging her to follow his example, which she thought it best to do
When they had done, he drew near and began to take certain
liberties with the princess, which she repulsed with indignation.
The slave, irritated at this opposition, determined to use violence,
and had begun to do so, when her outcries drew a company of
horsemen to her assistance.

They proved to be the sultan of Caschmire and his attendants,
returning from a day's hunting. When the sultan demanded of
the Indian why he used the lady so roughly, he boldly an
swered that she was his wife ; but the princess, though she knew
not the quality of the sultan, besought his protection, and declared,
that, by the basest deceit only, she had been thrown into the pow r er
of such a reptile.

The sultan of Caschmire was very amorous. The disorder and
distress of the princess added to her beauty, and excited the desires
of the monarch. He was not nice in gratifying them; and
judging that, whether the Indian was the husband or the ravisher
of the lady, he would be best out of the way, he pretended to be
much enraged against him, and ordered his head to be struck off
immediately. He then conducted the princess to his palace, and
directed his attendants to bring the horse after them, though he
kne\v nothing of the use of it.

The princess of Bengal rejoiced at her deliverance. She enter-
tained hopes that the sultan of Caschmire would generously restore
her to the prince of Persia: but she was much deceived ; for as
soon as the sultan learned that she was daughter to the^king of
Bengal, he altered his views with respect to her. He determined
to marry her, and that no untoward circumstances might happen
to prevent it, he gave orders for the necessary preparations to be
completed by the next day.

In the morning, the princess was awakened early by the sound-
ing of trumpets, the beating of drums, and other noisy tokens of

KNTEHTAINMKNTS. 323

public joy, which echoed through the palace and city. On her
asking the cause of this rejoicing, she \vas told it was to celebrate
her marriage with their sultan, which was to take place presently.

The princess's attachment to Firouz would have made any other
man's addresses disagreeable to her. But this conduct of the
sultan of Caschmire in proclaiming their nuptials, without even
having asked her consent, at once enraged and terrified her. She
was entirely in his power; and the disrespect he had paid her,
convinced her that she had everything to fear from his violence, if
she refused to comply with his wishes.

Thus critically situated she had recourse to art. She arose and
dressed herself fancifully, and in her whole behavior appeared
to her women to be unsettled in her intellects. The sultan was
soon apprized of this misfortune, and on his approach she put on
the appearance of frenzy, and endeavored to fly at him; and this
fury she ever after affected whenever he came in her sight. The
sultan was much disturbed at this unfortunate event, as he thought
it, and offered large rewards to any physician w r ho could cure her,
but the princess would not suffer any one to come near her, so that
all hope of her recovery began to be despaired of.

During this interval, Firouz, disguised as a dervise, had travelled
through many provinces, full of grief, and uncertain which way to
direct his course in search of his beloved princess. At last, passing
through a town in India, he heard an account that a princess of
Bengal had run mad on the day of the celebration of her nup-
tials with the sultan of Caschmire. Slender as was the hope that
such a report gave him, he resolved to travel to the capital of that
kingdom; where, when he arrived, he had the happiness to find he
had not journeyed in vain. He learned all the particulars of her
having been delivered from the Indian by their sultan, and that the
very next day she was seized with madness.

Firouz saw at once the reason of the princess's conduct, and was
delighted with this tender proof of her love and constancy to him.
All the difficulty which remained, was to obtain an opportunity of
speaking to her. To gain this, he put on the habit of a physician
and, presenting himself to the sultan, undertook to cure the
jrincess.

His services being accepted, he desired first to see her, without
being seen by her. For this purpose he \va conveyed into a closet,
whence he saw her unobserved ; she was carelessly singing

824 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

a song, in which she deplored her unhappy fate, which had forever
d iprived her of the object she loved so tenderly. When he quitted
the closet he told the sultan she was not incurable, but that it was
necessary for him to speak with her alone and that notwithstand-
ing her violent fits at the sight of physicians, he knew how to make
her attend to him.

As the princess had been long thought incurable, the sultan made
no difficulty of complying with the supposed physician's request.
As soon as he entered her apartment, she began to rave at him in
her usual furious manner, on which he went up close to her, and
said, in a low voice, " I am the prince of Persia."

The princess ceased to rave, and the attendant withdrew, re-
joiced at this proof of the physician's abilities. After mutual con-
gratulations, Firouz acquainted her with the plan he had formed
for her deliverance He then returned to the sultan, who demanded
eagerly what hopes he now entertained. The pretended physician
shook his head, and said, "All depends upon a mere chance : the
princess, a few hours before she was taken ill, had touched some-
thing that was enchanted ; unless I can obtain that something, be
it what it may, I cannot cure her. ; '

The sultan of Caschmire presently recollected the horse, which
was still preserved in his treasury. He showed it to the imaginary
physician, who. on seeing it, very gravely said, " I congratulate
your majesty on the certainty of my success. Let this horse be
brought out into the great square before the palace, and let the
princess attend ; I will engage in a few minutes she shall be per-
fectly cured."

Accordingly, the following morning the horse was placed in the
middle of the square, and the supposed physician drew a large
circle, and placed around it chafing dishes, with a little fire in each.
The sultan, full of expectation, with all his nobles and ministers
of state, attended. The princess being brought out veiled, was
conducted within the circle, and placed by the physician on the
saddle of the enchanted horse. He then went round to each chafing
dish, and threw in a certain drug, which presently raised such a
cloud of smoke, that neither the physician, the princess, nor the
horse, could be seen through it. At that instant, the Prince of
Persia mounted the horse; and, turning the peg, while the horse
ascended into the air, he distinctly pronounced these words : " Sul-
tan of Caschmire, when thou wouldst marry princesses who im-
plore thy protection, learn first to obtain their consent."

ENTERTAINMENTS.

C25

The same day, the prince of Persia and his belored princess
arrived safely at his father's court, when their nuptials were im-
mediately celebrated with the greatest splendor.

THE STORY OF PRINCE AHMED AND THE FAIRY PARIBANON.

There was a eultan named Mirza, who had peaceably filled the
throne of India many years ; and had the satisfaction in his old
age to have three sons, the imitators of his virtues ; and a niece, ^
who was the ornament of the court. The eldest of the princes
was named Houssain, the second Ali, the youngest Ahmed. The
princess was called Nouronnihar, or daylight.

Nouronnihar, in virtue, beauty, and wit, was distinguished be-
yond all the princesses of her time. The sultan proposed to marry
her, when she became of a proper age, to some neighboring prince j
but, when that time arrived, his sons were each of them passion-
ately in love with their cousin. The sultan saw this with great con-
cern. He dreaded lest this rivalry among the young men should
destroy their happiness and his own. He tried in vain to persuade
each in turn to give up his pretensions ; or at least to refer his
claim to the decision of the lady. Having reasoned with them
apart to no purpose, the sultan called them together, and after
lamenting that they all so obstinately pursued a happiness which
only one of them could enjoy, he proceeded thus: "I have, my
sons, hit upon an expedient, which, by leaving something to chance,
and more to diligence, will, I hope, decide your contest, without
destroying your fraternal love. I would have each of you travel
for a twelvemonth, not as princes, but as private merchants. I
will give you a large sum of money, and he that brings home the
greatest rarity shall receive Nouronnihar as his reward."

The proposal was so fair and impartial, that the three princes
readily agreed to it. Accordingly, they set out the next morning,
each attended by a trusty officer, in the habit of a slave. They
travelled together the first day ; and lay at an inn where the road
divided in three different tracks. They supped in great harmony ;
and agreed to return to the same inn, at the end of the year, and
wait for each other, that they might go together to their father's
palace. The next morning, at break of day, they embraced, and
mounted their horses, each taking a different road.

Prince Houssain had heard much of the grandeur, strength, and
riches of the kingdom of Bisnagar. He bent his course thither,

326 ARABIAN Nf GUTS*

and after five months' severe travelling, he arrived safe in the
capital of that kingdom. He lodged in a khan, appointed for
foreign merchants, and when he had recovered his fatigue, he took
a survey of the city.

It was formed into four divisions, in the centre of which stood
the royal palace. The division which chiefly engaged the atten-
tion of the prince was that where the merchants sold their various
commodities. It was large and divided into many streets, all
faulted, and shaded from the sun, yet very light. The shops wero
all of a size, and built exactly alike. All the people that dealt in
the same sort of goods lived in one street ; as did also the mechanics
who kept their shops in the smaller streets.

Prince Houssain was much pleased at seeing such large stocks
of all sorts of merchandise. The finest linens from India, painted
m the most lively colors ; silks and brocades from Persia : porce-
lain from Japan and China ; but when he came to the shops of the
jewellers and goldsmiths, the prodigious quantity of jewels of
every sort, and of wrought gold and silver, astonished him ; nor
was he less amazed at the general riches of the people, when he
learned that except the bramins and others who professed a volun-
tary poverty, there was scarce an Indian, man or woman, but what
wore necklaces, bracelets, and ornaments of pearl and other jewels
about their -legs and feet, which appeared with great lustre, as they
were blacks.

Another matter took much of the prince's attention, which was
the great number of rose-sellers that crowded the streets ; for the
Indians were such great admirers of that flower, that none of them
would stir without a nosegay in his hand, or a garland on his head,
so that the air was perfectly perfumed.

Having fully satisfied his curiosity, he began to apply himself
seriously to the business of his journey. He passed many days
among the merchants, and became acquainted with many of them,
but was not able to find anything so rare as to meet his wishes.

As he waa sitting one day in a shop, he saw a crier pass by with
a piece of tapestry on his arm, about six feet square, which he cried
at thirty purses. lie called the crier, and examined the tapestry,
which seemed to be of o ordinary a quality, that the prince could
not comprehend why so extravagant a price was set on it. The
crier, who took him for a merchant, told him. a? he was surveying
it, that, though it was cri*<i ai thirty purses, he had orders to raise

ENTERTAINMENTS. 327

it to forty ; and not to part with it under. tl Certainly," said the
prince, "there must be some merit in this tapestry which one can-
not see ; for it does not appear to be worth so many purses ! ;?
"You are in the right/' replied the crier, "the reason this tapestry
is of such high value is that whoever sits on it, may be transported
in an instant to whatever place ho desires, without being stopped
by any obstacle/ 7

It struck Prince Houssain that he could not hope to met with
a greater curiosity. He asked the crier how he should be con-
vinced it possessed such a quality to which he replied, " I suppose,
sir, you have not so much money about you ; I will spread the
tapestry, and we will both sit on it. You shall form the wish to be
in your khan, and if we are not both there immediately, it shall
not be a bargain.' 7 To this fair proposal the prince agreed. The
experiment was made, and succeeded completely. He paid the
crier the forty purses, and congratulated himself on his good
fortune.

Houssain could have returned home directly but his honor
would not permit him to violate his engagement with his brothers.

He devoted, therefore, the remainder of the year to the acquir-
ing of knowledge. He visited the court of the king of Bisnagar,
and viewed everything curious in the city which he had not-
already seen. He informed himself in everything respecting the
manners and police of the country, and the strength and riches
of the sovereign.

Amidst the public buildings his attention was much engaged by
a temple of idols which was built of brass. It was ten cubits
square, and fifteen high. The principal idol was the height of a
man, of massive gold ; its eyes were rubies, so artificially set, that
it seemed to look at the spectator in whatever direction he stood.
There was also another very curious temple at a little distance
from the metropolis, in the midst of a large plain, which was
formed into an elegant garden ; there was raised a terrace, in the
middle of which was a temple adorned with a great variety of
paintings and sculptures.

Superstitious ceremonies were performed every night and morn-
ing in this temple, and these were always followed by sports,
music, dancing, and feasting. The ministers of this temple were
supported entirely by the offerings of pilgrims who came in great
nuu bers from the most distant parts of the kingdom.

328 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Before Prince Houssain left the city there was a solemn feast
celebrated, at which all the governors and judges of towns, and
the most celebrated bramins were obliged to be present, though
some lived so far off as to be four months in coming. At this meet-
ing the king gave solemn audiences to the travellers, aijd to many
other strangers who applied. After which the assembly resem-
bled an immense fair, where musicians, stage-players, aad other
artists, endeavored to engage the attention of the people. Many
of these performed their amusements on castles, erected on the
backs of elephants, whose trunks, ears, and bodies, were painted
in very grotesque characters.

These unwieldy animals were trained by their masters to dis-
play tricks which show great docility in the beast. One of them
surprised Prince Houssain by standing with his fore feet on a post,
and beating time to music with his trunk. Another performed a
more extraordinary feat nearly of the same nature. For, though
placed on a board which formed a seesaw, and was balanced by
weights at the other end, he still, amidst that motion so unnatural to
him, beat time also to music with great exactness.

As the time of returning drew on, Houssain began to be impatient.
His passion for his lovely cousin had increased by absence, and he
fancied he should be more easy if he was nearer to her. He
caused, therefore, the officer who attended him to sit down with
him on the tapestry, and they were instantly transported to the
inn, at which he had agreed to meet his brothers ; where he ap-
peared as a merchant, till they arrived.

Prince Ali, the second brother, went to the capital of Persia,
where he passed much of his time in the bezestein, among the
merchants. As he was conversing with some of them, he ob-
served a salesman in the market, with an ivory perspective glass
i-n his hand, about a foot long, which he offered to sell, demanding
fifty purses for it.

The salesman presented it to the prince, who had the com-
plaisance to receive it from him, though he thought he was mad
fco ask such a price for it. He fitted it to look through, and the
salesman was about to explain the use of it, but that was rendered
unnecessary ; for as Nouronnihar was ever present to the prince's
Imagination, he chanced, as he raised the glass to his eye, to wish
he could see her with it. He was astonished, when, on looking
through the glass, he beheld the princess at her toilet, laughing,
with her women about her.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 3^

lie put the glass to his eye th3 second time, and wished to see
nis father; when he immediately saw the sultan sitting on his
throne, in the midst of his council. He tried the glass again by de-
siring to see first his brother Houssain, and then his brother
Ahmed : in both which cases he succeeded.

Prince Ali considered this glass as a curiosity that could no-
where be matched. He paid the sum demanded for it, and was
overjoyed at his bargain, being assured that neither of his broth
ers would be able to meet with anything so curious, and that the
princess Nouronnihar would be the reward of his fatigue and
trouble.

Prince Ahmed took the road to Samarcand, where he resided
some time, without anything of consequence occurring to him.
He associated much with men of science, to whom his abilities
rendered him an agreeable companion. Among these respectable
associates he learned that a celebrated philosopher of that coun-
try had composed an artificial apple, the smell of which cured all
disorders ; that this invention had been of no use to the author,
who being seized with a sudden illness a great way from home,
where his apple was, had died. It was added that the widow was
poor, and wished to sell it ; but that she asked sixty purses for it ;
no one in that country was rich enough to purchase.

Ahmed listened to this discourse with great attention. He con-
cluded that if he had heard a true account of this artificial apple,
it was not only the most curious, but the most useful thing in the
world. He applied to the widow of the philosopher, and having
by repeated experiments proved the virtues of the apple, he paid
her the price she demanded, and took possession of it with the
highest satisfaction. The year drawing to a close, he joined a
caravan, and arrived in perfect health at the inn, where he found
the princes Houssain and Ali waiting for him.

When the three brothers met, they embraced each other with
great affection. After some general conversation Ali asked his
brother how long since they had arrived. " I have been here,"
replied Houssain, " three months." " You did not travel far then,"
said Ali. " I was five months before I reached the end of my
journey," answered Houssain, "and then stayed four months at the
city I then arrived at." " I cannot comprehend how this is possi-
ble," replied Ali, " unless you flew back !"

Houssain, without answering Air addressed himself to both his

330 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

brothers, and said, "As we are within a day's journey of oui
father's court, and our hopes respecting our beloved cousin must
soon be decided, let us, with the frankness becoming brothers, pro-
duce now our curiosities; that we may judge to whom our father
will give the preference." He then produced his tapestry and told
them the qualities of it : at the same time remarking to his
brother Ali, that it was by his tapestry only, that he could ex-
plain the riddle of his journey and return.

Prince Ali produced his perspective glass, and described its
virtues, after which he put it into the hand of his elder brother.
Houssain raised the glass to his eye, and wished to see the
princess Nouronnihar. Instantly he turned very pale, and v?as
seized with great agitation. "Alas, my brothers !" said he, " our
contest is at an end, and we shall none of us possess our lovely
cousin. Nonronnihar now lies at the point of death ! ; '

Ali and Ahmed each hastily snatched the glass, and were con-
vinced Houssain's account was too true. The two elder brothers
were resigning themselves to despair; but Ahmed producing his
apple, said, " You have not asked for my curiosity, brothers, which
can in an instant repair all this mischief. If a sick person, 'though
in the last agonies, smells to this apple, it will restore him to per-
fect health immediately. All we have to do, then, is to set off
this moment, and proceed to the palace with the utmost despatch."

Ali, who had again raised the glass to his eye, cried out, ' It
will be too late ! it will be too late ! alas, she is now expiring !' ;
Houssain, hearing this, spread his tapestry hastily, and placing
his brothers on it, wished them and himself in the princess's bed-
chamber. They found themselves there in an instant. Ahnied,
not having had time to put by his apple, had it in his hand, and
had the presence of mind to run immediately to the expiring
princess, and by putting it to her nose, arrested the fleeting spirit.

After the apple had been held to her for a short time. Nouron-
nihar seemed as if she was awakened from a trance. Her face
was no longer convulsed, she" breathed freely, she opened her
eyes, and began to converse with her attendants: she presently
found herself perfectly recovered. Her slaves had been terrified
at the sudden appearance of three men among them : and the
eunuchs were ready to punish their intrusion, but recollected the
princes in time. When the attendants saw the effect of Ahmed's
apple, they were overjoyed : the princess also paid her respects

ENTERTAINMENTS. 331

to her cousins, and expressed her gratitude to Ahmed. After
which the princes withdrew, and went to throw themselves at the
feet of the sultan.

Their father received them with the greatest joy, accepted and
applauded their presents as they deserved ; and congratulated
them, as well on their safe return, , as on the recovery of the
princess. But when they pressed him to decide their pretensions
to Nouronnihar, and each urged the us-e of his acquisition, on the
late alarming occasion, he spoke to them as follows : " How can I
justly determine between you, my children, on this interesting oc-
casion ? Your apple, my dear Ahmed, restored your cousin to
life ; but without Ali's glass you would not have known her dan-
ger. Nor would even your knowledge of that danger, and your
possessing the means of relieving her have been of the least use,
had not Houssain's tapestry conveyed you hither as it did. Your
presents, in my opinion, are equally valuable ; and you share
among you the glory of having preserved the princess.

"But I will no longer suffer a contest to continue, so fatal to the
peace of us all. I will adopt another mode of determining your
fortune with your cousin. The long bow is a manly and princely
exercise. Provide yourselves with bows and arrows by to-mor-
row morning, and I will give the princess to him who shoots far-
thest."

The next morning the three princes attended at the place ap-
pointed ; and the sultan having appointed judges, Prince Houssain
shot an arrow, which flew a great distance. Ali shot next, much
beyond him. Ahmed then shot, and though it was universally
believed that he had shot farthest, yet, as his arrow could not be
found, the judges, notwithstanding his earnest remonstrance, de-
termined in favor of Prince Ali, who accordingly espoused the
lovely Nouronnihar, a few days afterward.

Houssain would not honor the feast with his presence. He
could not bear to see the woman he loved, in the arms of his
rival, though that rival was a beloved brother. In the transport
of his grief he renounced his succession to the crown, and all in-
tercourse with the world, and joined a society of Dervises, whose
rules were unusually rigid and austere.

Ahmed also refused to be present at his brother's nuptials,
though he did not suffer his disappointment to carry him to such
excess, as his brother Iloussain indulged. As he could not ima-

332 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

gine what became of his arrow, he went in search of it, to the
place where Houssain and All's were found. He proceeded, look-
ing carefully on each side, till he had got so far, that he gave up
all thought of finding it. He pursued his journey, indulging his
melancholy reflections till he came to some rocks which were
four leagues distant from the place where he set out, and which
bounded his walk that way, as they were inacessible.

When Ahmed came to these rocks, he perceived an arrow, which
he picked up, and was astonished to find it was the same he had
shot away. It appeared to have rebounded from the rock. The
apparent impossibility of any man shooting an arrow so far,
made the prince conclude there must be something supernatural in
the matter. His heart began to indulge in happy presages, and
to hope that his disappointment would be made up to him, by
means of some event, which this interposition would produce.

While he meditated on these matters, he entered imperceptibly,
some of the irregular breaks of the rocks, in one of which he
perceived an iron door. He pushed against it, and it opened,
when he found an easy descent, which he walked down, with his
arrow in his hand. He had not advanced many steps, before he
entered a spacious and beautiful garden, and at a little distance
he saw a magnificent palace. As he drew near to it, he was met
by a very beautiful lady ; her air was graceful and majestic, yet
sweetly easy and encouraging; her dress, brilliant beyond imagi-
gation; and a large troop of handsome and well-dressed attendants
bespoke her quality. She received the prince with a bewitching
smile, saying, * Prince Ahmed, you are welcome."

Ahmed paid his respects to her in the best manner he was able ;
for such a succession of wonders had thrown him into confusion.
He thanked her for bidding him welcome to that elegant re-
treat, w r here he had reason to fear he was an intruder, and rejoiced
that he had the honor to be known by so charming a lady. They
drew near the palace, and the lady invited him to go in and hear
where he was, and how she came to know him.

When they entered the hall, the lady said to him, u You are
surprised, Ahmed, that I, whom yOu have never seen before, should
know you. To remove this wonder, learn then that I am a fairy,
daughter to one of the most powerful genii, who, your religion
teaches you, inhabit the world, as well as men. My name is Pari-
banon. I am acquainted with all the affairs of your father's

ENTERTAINMENTS. 333

court. I sold you the artificial apple. Ali bought his j erspec-
tive glass, and Houssain his tapestry, of me. I am not, you find,
unacquainted with your concerns. You seemed to me worthy of
a more happy fate, than that of possessing the princess Nouronni-
har, whose husband will never mount a throne. I was present
when you drew your arrow, and, foreseeing it would fall short of
Prince Houssain' s, I took it in the air, and conveyed it to the rocks
where you found it. By this means I have led you hither. And
it will be much your own fault if this visit does not fix your hap-
piness on the most permanent basis. ' ;

The fairy pronounced these words in the most tender manner,
glancing affectionately at the prince, yet covered with modest con-
fusion. Ahmed was too penetrating to be at a loss in understand-
ing the beautiful fairy. Paribanon as far excelled the princess in
loveliness of person, in sprightly wit, and engaging deportment,
as she did in power and splendor. Ahmed rejoiced at his late dis-
appointment ; and resigning his whole heart to the charming
Paribanon. he threw himself at her feet, and professed himself
happy in being admitted her slave.

The sensible fairy then raised him up, and said, "My dear
Ahmed, I did not bring you here to be my slave, but my husband.
You will not wonder I am thus frank with you, when I tell you
that we fairies are exempt from that trifling coquetry which is
most to be found in the weakest of mortal females." The prince
on his knees seized her hand, and ravished it with kisses. " I
pledge my faith to you, madam," said he, " in the most solemn
manner ; and vow to devote my whole heart to you without the
least reserve." " I receive your faith, my dear prince," replied
the fairy, lt and plight you mine in return : and now, according to
the custom of fairies, you are my husband, and I am your wife.
Our marriages are contracted without any other ceremonies."

From this time Prince Ahmed lived with his beloved fairy, en-
joying every happiness. The society of his charming Paribanon,
whose virtues and elegant manners continually increased his
attachment to her, gave him the most rational and heart-felt
delight.

Several months passed away in this manner ; when the recollec-
tion of his father, whom Ahmed always loved and honored, and
the consideration of the pain the sultan must suffer in his absence,
broke in upon the prince's felicity. He mentioned these reflections

334 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

to the fairy, and expressed a great desire to pay his father a visit ;
but Paribanon upbraided him, that his affection for her was growing
cool. She was so much affected at this idea, that it was with diffi-
culty the prince could pacify her by the most earnest assurance of
unceasing love, and renouncing all thoughts of visiting the sultan.

Notwithstanding Paribanon's jealousy, that prince deserved all
his son's attention. It was with the greatest reluctanc.3, that ho
had decided the contest between his sons dreading those conse-
quences which^fol lowed that event. He was soon informed of the
resolution of Prince Houssain, and of the retreat which he had
chosen. And though he regretted this determination of his eldest
son, yet the knowledge of his situation afforded him some comfort.
But of Prince Ahmed he could obtain no information. He even
applied to a sorceress of great abilities, to inquire after him. Yet
with the utmost exertions, she could only learn that he was yet
alive ; but not the least particular of his present situation. This
uncertainty was the cause of great sorrow to the sultan.

Although Ahmed gave up his wish to visit his father, in com-
pliance with the desire of the fairy, yet he could not refrain from
frequently mentioning him and never without a sigh. This con-
duct excited reflection in the breast of Paribanon. She considered
that she had no reason to doubt the affection of her husband,
who appeared every day more fond of her ; but how long that,
affection would last, if she kept him under perpetual restraint,
she had just cause to fear. She was naturally very benevolent ;
'and the consideration that she prevented a worthy son from wiping
away the tears of an affectionate father, shed on his account, was
more than she could bear. u I am sensible, my dear Ahmed ; ' J said
she one day to the prince, <: of the restraint you put upon yourself,
in suppressing your wishes to visit your royal father. When I
first refused you, I was induced to do so, by the tender fear lest the
naturally volatile disposition of a young man might lead you to
forsake me. But I should not deserve your tenderness, if, after
your having thus long made me so great a sacrifice, I could doubt
your constancy and steady affection. Go, then, pay your duty to
the sultan ; and let him know you will attend him for that pur-
pose every month. Do not, however, let me long regret your ab-
sence ; nor on any account, acquaint your father with your mar-
riage, or where you reside. Beg of him to be satisfied in knc wing
you are happy."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 335

Ahmed expressed the most lively gratitude to the fa'.iy, and
promised to observe all her instructions. The next morning he set
forward for the sultan's court, attended by twenty gentlemen, well
mounted. They soon arrived at the city, where Ahmed was re-
ceived by the people with acclamations of joy. When he arrived
at the palace, his father embraced him with great affection, kindly
chiding him for his absence, and inquiring what had befallen him.
The prince told him that he had found his arrow as far off as the
black rocks : and that the search after it had been attended with
an adventure that had made him contented and happy ; but en-
treated the sultan not to insist on knowing the particulars. The
tender father cheerfully acquiesced; and after three days, Ahmed
took his leave, promising to renew his visit at the end of the
month.

Ahmed returned to the fairy, who received him very joyfully.
Every, month he renewed his visit to his father's court, each time
attended more splendidly than before. For a long time the sultan
had great pleasure in these visits ; but some of the busy parasites
who infest every court, began to instil jealousies into his mind,
under pretence of concern for his safety, which destroyed all his
happiness, and ended most fatally. They observed to the sultan,
that on every visit, the prince came attended by a different retinue.
That the number of his retainers, therefore, must be very considera-
ble, and the magnificence of their appearance every time increas-
ing, showed their master's wealth was inexhaustible. Nor was this
all. The freshness of their clothes, and the spirit of their horses,
sufficiently proved that they came not far. " If, therefore," said
they, "the prince (who everybody knows was extremely mortified
at losing Nouronnihar) should choose to resent that decision, or
even to seize the crown, he seems to have sufficient power near at
hand, to execute such an enterprise. At least, therefore, it would
be prudent to find out the place of his retirement, which he so care-
fully conceals."

The sultan of the Indies for some time seemed to pay no atten-
tion to these remonstrances, but they made the deepest impression
on his mind. The shouts of applause which the people gave to
the prince, whenever he was seen in the city became now a tor-
ment to the sultan. He became jealous of his worthy son ami
though he concealed from every one, as much as possible, his ill-
founded disgust, yet he resolved tc discover his retreat. For this

336 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

purpose he applied to the sorceress he had formerly consulted,
and engaged her to watch his son, and bring him word where he
retired. '

The sorceress hid herself among the black rocks, till she saw the
prince and his attendants pass by her. She continued looking
after them, when all on a sudden they disappeared. She followed
them to the brinks of the rocks, and examined them with the
greatest attention on each side, till she came to the farther end,
without being able to discover the iron door through which the
prince and his retinue had passed ; for that was seen only by those
whom the fairy Paribanon wished to receive.

The magician returned disappointed; but when the prince's
next monthly visit drew near, she returned to the rocks, and as
soon as his train approached her, she contrived to lie on the side
of the road and appear as if expiring. Ahmed was so moved at
her supposed distress that he ordered her to be taken up, and re-
turned with all his attendants through the iron gate, and besought
the fairy to assist her.

Paribanon ordered the sorceress to be led away, and supplied
with whatever she stood in need of. Then turning to the prince,
she said, il I admire, my dear Ahmed, the goodness of your heart :
but in this instance, I fear it will operate to your prejudice. This
woman is an imposter. She is not sick ; and whatever her views
are in persuading you to think so, they cannot certainly be
friendly ones." et I never," replied the prince, li did. or intended
any injury to any one ; nor can I suppose any one would injure me.
But if I am mistaken, and have an enemy, I will not therefore
withhold from doing good, whenever I have an opportunity." He
then again took leave of the fairy, and set forward for the city.

The sorceress having discovered the prince's retreat, pretended
to be much recovered by the medicines which had been given her;
she begged leave to return thanks to Paribanon, and to pursue her
journey.

The fairy received her, sitting on her throne of massy gold, and
surrounded Avith the utmost splendor. After she had paid her
compliments, the fairy ordered two of her attendants to show her
the palace, and then to permit her to depart. They led her ac-
cordingly through all the apartments, and displayed before hc-r
such a profusion of riches as she had no idea of. For Paribanon,
having no doubt but she came as a spy from some enemy of her

KXT KliT A IN M EN TS. 337

husband, was determined stie .should go uway with such an idea
of his situation as should excite respect if not awe. The sorceress
was then conducted to the iron gate and dismissed ; hut what much
troubled her was, that though she turned round immediately to
mark the gate, it had become invisible ; and 011 turning a second
time, she found herself at the entrance of the rocks, far beyond
the place where the prince took pity 011 her.

From the time the sultan had suffered himself to be irritated
against his son, he had neglected to consult with his old and faith-
ful vizier; he had given himself up to a cabal of interested ad-
visers, who sought only to promote their own profit by a pre-
tended zeal for their master's safety. To them he privately intro-
duced the sorceress, and heard her report in their presence.

If the weak sultan feared his son before, this account of his un-
bounded wealth made him envy and hate him. His advisers were
at no loss to discover this, and every one, to gain his master's
favor, seemed to outvie the other in proposing violent measures.
Some counselled, as the prince was now on the spot, to cut him
off without delay. The most lenient wished him and his attend-
ants imprisoned for life. Amidst these desperate proposals the
sorceress begged leave to offer a different expedient.

11 An attempt to destroy Prince Ahmed by violence, protected as
he is by a retinue of fairies and genii, would not only be in vain,
but would certainly excite the vengeance of Paribanon. I would
recommend a very different conduct toward him : let the prince
know you are acquainted with his having married a fairy, and en-
gage him to task her power in procuring certain advantages for
you. If he succeeds with the first, you have to go on demanding
something still more difficult, till you tire out his patience, and he
will then cease these dangerous visits, which give him so much
influence over the people."

Every one approved of this advice, and, agreeably to it, the
sultan, next day, with an air of good humor, congratulated higr
son on his marriage with a fairy. " I rejoice," said he, <( at this
fortunate connection, and must bog you will not deny me your in-
fluence with your wifo, in a matter I have so much at heart. I
want a pavilion, that may be carried in a man's hand, and yet be
large enough to cover a numerous army. You will oblige me
greatly, if you will persuade your wife to furnish me such a one."

Prince Ahmed heard with surprise and pleasure that his father
15

338 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

knew of his nuptials, and approved them ; but when he came to
urge so extraordinary a demand, the poor prince was overwhelm-
ed with confusion. He was very desirous of being excused but
finding the sultan pressed the thing upon him : ll Your commands,
sir," said he, " are a law to me. I will ask this extraordinary
thing of my wife, though it will be with great reluctance. If I
succeed, I will return immediately ; if I fail, you will know I have
done so, by my paying my respects to you no more."

Ahmed took leave of the sultan, with much discomposure. On
his return home, Paribanon presently saw something had happen-
ed to displease him. In answer to her inquiries, he told her the
demand his father had made, and his uneasiness in consequence of
it. " I have ever," continued he, " been happy in loving you, and
being loved by you ; and have carefully avoided tasking your
power nor should anything have induced me to do it, but the
command of a father. What vexes me most is the rt quest he' has
made, at once exorbitant in the idea, and impossible to be com-
plied with." Paribanon heard him with a smile, and after prais-
ing the delicacy of his love, she despatched a slave to her treas-
urer, with orders to send one of her smallest pavilions. The
slave presently returned with it in her hand, and presented it to
her mistress who gave it to her husband.

Ahmed received it with a look of incredulity ; but the fairy
soon convinced him of his mistake, by ordering it to be fixed up.
Next morning he returned to court, and presented it to his father.
The sultan, little imagining there could be such a thing as the
tent he had asked for, was surprised to see him. He received it
from Ahmed, and ordered it to be set up in the plain, when he
found it large enough to shelter an army twice as numerous as he
could bring into the field. The prince increased his wonder, by
telling him, that he could make it larger or smaller, by a wish,
according to the army it was to cover.

Mirza received his son's curious present with cold civility, and
in his heart conceived a still greater hatied and jealousy of him.
He again consulted the sorceress, and, by her advice, he addressed
him in the evening, before the whole court, and besought him to
obtain for him some of the water of the fountain of Lions. "The
dangers ho must face to obtain this water, 7 ' said the sorceress,
' are so many, that it is hardly possible he should escape them
And if he falls your majesty will be hnppily rid of him "

ENTERTAINMENTS. 339

When Ahmed, on his return home, related this r evr demand of
his father to Paribauon, she addressed him thus: <; I am now con-
vinced, my doar Ahmed, that the affections of the sultan are
alienated from you, and that he meditates your destruction. This
water can only be obtained at your own risk, not by my power. From
most of the dangers attending the attempt, I can protect you ; but
I cannot preserve the sultan from the punishment which awaits
him, if he persists in his unnatural conduct.

" The fountain of Lions is situated in the middle of a court, the
entrance of which is guarded by four lions. You must have two
horses, one of which you must ride : and, on the other, which
you must lead, put a sheep, killed to-day, and divided into four
quarters. Take also a bottle to fill with the water. Set oft' earl y
to-morrow morning, and, when you have passed the iron gate,
throw this clew of thread on the ground. Follow it exactly, and
you will escape all other difficulties, till you come to a pair ot
large folding doors, which will open at your approach. You will
then see the lions; throw to each a quarter of the sheep as you
ride toward them ; fill your bottle with all possible expedition,
while they are eating : when you have accomplished this, you may
return without apprehension, as the lions will not then attempt to
hurt you."

The prince obeyed the fairy's directions, and succeeded. On his
return he found that two of the lions followed him. He turned
about and drew his sabre to defend himself; but he soon found
that unnecessary the lions approached with the utmost gentle-
ness, one passing by him went -before, while the other followed ;
and thus guarded him till he came to his father's capital, where
they disappeared.

He presented the sultan with the bottle of water, which he had
procured with so much danger. That prince appeared to be in
raptures at his son's obedience and success. But the hatred he
had so causelessly entertained against his dutiful son, now became
inveterate. In the evening he sent for the sorceress, and in a
rage charged her, as she valued her life, to invent a task for
Ahmed, which was not to be thus easily accomplished. She was
terrified at the threats of the sultan. " Sir," said she, u I can
point out a task for the prince, which will be attended with the
utmost danger: but, if he succeeds, I treinMe for the consequencea
to you and to myself." " No matter," replied the sultan, hastily,

340 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

a no matter for tnc consequences to me ; and, as to you, I will put
you to death this instant, if you do not point out this adventure,
which may relieve me from a hated rival, by whom I am every
day more and more eclipsed.

The sorceress obeyed, and the sultan, fully instructed, received
his son the next morning with a smile, and said to him, " I have
one more favor to request of you, and I desire you will use your
interest with the fairy, your wife, to gratify me ; after which I
will no more exact anything from your obedience, or her power.
Bring me a man, not above a foot and half high, whose beard is
thirty feet long, and who carries an iron bar of five hundred
weight, which he uses as a quarter staff." Prince Ahmed bowed,
and withdrew in silence.

On his return home he told Paribanon, with great sorrow, what
had passed. '-'I am now," said he, "too well assured that my
father is become my enemy, and seeks these extraordinary de-
mands to eifect my destruction; but, as he declares this shall be
his last request, let me, my dear fairy, if this task be not too diffi-
cult, entreat your assistance." " Nothing," replied Parihanou,
" can be more easy than for you to fulfil this command. This man
is my brother, Schaibar. His disposition is very different from
mine. His nature is crabbed and violent, and his resentment al-
ways fatal ; yet, if not provoked, he is kind and obliging. I will
send for him immediately ; but be sure to prepare yourself for
his appearance, and take especial care not to show fear at his sin-
gular and very forbidding figure."

" Ah ! my lovely fairy," replied Ahmed, " if Schaibar is your
brother, let his person be ever so disagreeable, I can never see him
but with sentiments of respect and affection."

Paribanon ordered a gold chafing-dish to be set, with a fire in it,
under the porch of the palace; and throwing in some perfume,
there arose a thick cloud of smoke, soon after which the fairy said
to Ahmed, ''See! my brother comes." The prince immediately
saw Schaibar approaching, his heavy bar on his shoulder, his beard
wound around him, a pair of thick mustachios which he tucked
behind his ears, that almost covered his face : his little eyes set
deep in his head, which was very large, and on which he wore a
grenadier's cap. He was hump-backed, and his whole appearance
the most ferocious that could be imagined.

Such a tremendous figure on any other occasion, would have

ENTERTAINMENTS. 341

terrified Ahmed exceedingly ; but being prepared for bis coming,
and knowing who he was, the prince stood by Paribanon with the
utmost composure. Schaibar, as he came forward, looked at
Ahmed in such a manner as was enough to freeze his blood ; and
asked Paribanon, when he first accosted her, u who that man w r as. :;
To which she replied," He is my husband, brother ; the reason I did
not invite you to see him sooner, is, that I was unwilling to inter-
rupt you in an expedition you were engaged in, and from which I
hear with pleasure that you have lately returned successful."
Schaibar then looked favorably on Ahmed, and offered to do him
any service in his power. The prince thanked him ; and the fairy
added, " The sultan, his father, has a desire to see you : I request
you will let him be your guide to the court to-morrow. v

The next morning, after having been fully informed of all that
had passed, Schaibar set forward with Ahmed for the sultan's
palace. As they approached the city, the people fled before them
in dismay ; and communicating their fears to all they met, the streets
were abandoned.

Even tfhe guards of the royal palace ran away. There was no
one to conduct them to the sultan, so that the prince and Schaibar
advanced unexpected into the council-chamber, where the sultan
was giving audience. Every one drew back in terror. Schaibar
advanced to the throne, without waiting to be introduced by the
prince. " Thou hast asked for me," said he to the sultan, fiercely,
11 here I am ! what wouldst thou have with me?" The terrified
sultan, instead of answering him, clapped his hands before his eyes,
to shut out the sight of so fearful an object. Schaibar, enraged at
this insult, instantly lifted up his iron beam and killed him, before
Ahmed could interpose in his behalf, lie continued dealing about
his fatal blows till he had destroyed every one of the prince's
enemies. He then commanded the grand vizier to introduce the
sorceress, who had been so active in promoting the prince's de-
struction. She was brought before him in the utmost terror. As
soon as she was within his reach, he gave her a stroke with his
iron bar. saying. ' Take the reward of thy pernicious councils, and
learn to feign sickness again."

,tlion r<l:Tod the grand vizier, and the remaining officers
of the court, t-> proclaim Prince Ahmed sultan of the Indies, and,
sending for his sister, Paribanou, he caused her and her husband to
be clothed with the royal vestments, and seated on the thrcuo.

542 ARABIAN NIGHTS

Houssain had retired from the world. And Ali. happy in the pos-
session of his beloved Nouronnihar, had no desire to oppose his
brother Ahmed and his terrible ally. He contented himself with
an opulent province, which his brother bestowed upon him; and
Ahmed, with his charming fairy, swayed the sceptre of the Indies
without opposition.

STORY OF HABIB AND DORATIL-GOASE, OR THE ARABIAN KNIGHT.

The tribe of Ben-Hilac, the most numerous and valiant in all
Arabia, was formerly governed by Emir-Ben-Hilac-Salamis, the
most famous man of that age for courage, military talents, piety,
probity, and, in a word, for all those great qualities which accom-
plish the character of the statesman and the warrior. He was the
acknowledged chief of sixty-six tribes over whom he reigned with
wisdom, and among whom his administration was deservedly pop-
ular. He had been prosperous in war, and not less so in peace.
He had passed the prime of life, and had no favor to ask of Heaven
in order to complete his felicity, unless a son who might inherit his
glory and his power.

In the festival of Haraphat, Salamis continually heaped the altar
with victims, prostrated himself upon the threshold of the taber-
nacle, addressed his prayers to the holy prophet, and still waited
with respectful resignation for the time when the will of Heaven
should favor him with a blessing so essential to his happiness.
Having one day offered a more than ordinary profusion of sacrifices.
he felt his mind suddenly impressed with a pleasing hope that his
wishes would be fulfilled. His hopes were not in vain. Amirala,
his wife, soon after found herself pregnant, and within nine months
that princess was delivered of a male child, whose beauty equalled
that of the brightest luminary which in the evenings of summer
supplies the absence of the sun. Amirala took the child in her
arms, and caressed him with mingled emotions of tender love and
rapturous joy.

" Lovely child," said she ; " chaiming emblem of the fair tree
whose fruit thou art, may my kisses be salutary to thee as the rays
of the sun are to the budding plant. Come to my breast, receive
the nourishment which the tenderness of a mother gladly offers.

tl And thou, great prophet ! thou, into whose hands the Most
High has committed the key of the treasure of celestial grace
thou, to whom we owe this dearest pledge of love ! pour upon him

ENTERTAINMENTS. 3-13

the benignant influence of thy sacred spirit ! At thy powerful voice
may the bravest, the brightest, and yet the mildest star of heaven
assume the care of his destiny !

" Ye happy tribes who inhabit the smiling plains of Arabia, it is
to you that Habib is given ! Come, view the head of my young
cedar ! you will distinguish it rising above all the rest. Rejoice !
rejoice ! ye happy tribes ! One day shall it cover you with its
shade !

While Amirala thus celebrated the bounty of the Almighty,
the emir assembled all the wise men of the nation, and made them
inquire of the stars concerning the destiny of his son. In the
hour of his birth the eyes of all the astrologers were raised
to the azure vault of heaven. They beheld a combat in tho
fields above. One constellation appeared to oppose another ; ono
very bright star was alternately darkened, hid. and extinguished
like those meteors which are sometimes seen gliding through the
air : yet it still maintained its place, and within a few moments
broke out with new lustre, and appeared in the most auspicious
conjunction.

The eldest of the astrologers then spoke. " Prince," said he to
Salaniis, ' ; your son will be glorious, and admired in life ; but never
mortal passed through such dangers as he must meet. Perils and
misfortunes await him, but wonderful will be his resources amidst
every combination of difficulties. Love and glory are at last to
crown his toils, if his courage and vigor shall surmount every
trial."

"What a wayward destiny!" returned the emir. u Can no
means be employed to disappoint its severity ?" tl Prince, we as-
sure you, the great planet, and the seven around it, did not appear
in harmonious concord. They seemed to exert all their powers in
order to bring assistance to the star of your son, or to counteract
its noxious influence. Dreadful was the contest, and as Habib's
star has again appeared, you may entertain some degree of hope.
The dangers which he is to encounter have been clearly displayed
to us. but as man may so far elude the strokes cf fate, the virtues
of llabib must avert the unpropitioua influence with which he is
threatened, and compel his star to be more favorable to him."

Salamis was a man of the greatest fortitude, and at the same
time of the greatest resignation.

The misfortunes which await my son will surely not exceed

344 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

what the strength of humanity is able to bear. Let rne form him
to manly energy of character, and sow the seeds of every virtue
in his heart. Amirala will second my intentions, and by our joint
lessons and example, we shall prepare him to trample upon every
danger that may rise up before him."

Hardly was Habib circumcised, and taught to articulate a few
words, when his tender organs, instead of uttering a senseless
prattle, pronounced his confession of faith. He already blessed
the Creator of the world, Mohammed his apostle, heaven, earth,
the animated beings inhabiting these worlds, and the wide immen-
sities of space by which they are separated. He made the letters
of the alphabet his playthings, and learned to arrange them into
words, and these words soon after into sentences. His mimic
houses were imitations of mosques ; hie sports, his fancies, and
his early propensities, all showed a mind above the ordinary rank.

Soon as his body acquired strength, he observed no set hours for
his meals. It was necessary that he should be acquainted with
want, that tyrant of humanity ; and to teach him to bear it without
murmuring, he was from time to time partially exposed to it. It
was necessary that he should accustom himself to difficulties ; the
mattress upon which he used to sleep was, therefore, taken away,
and he was left to lie upon the bare ground. He was exposed oc-
casionally to the inclemency of the seasons, that his body might
not afterward be too much affected by their severity.

He was taught to mount the most fiery and the most unmanage-
able young horses. His address having been previously exercised
in adventures of less danger, he soon surmounted the difficulties
which at first attended this. If he happened by any accident to
lose his seat, his agility soon enabled him to recover it. Thus did
Amirala form the body of her pupil. At seven years of age, he
excelled all his little companions in vigor and activity. His heart
and understanding were not neglected ; he could recite all the
chapters of the Koran, and explain their meaning. lie was taught
by his mother to view the wonders of nature with enthusiastic ad-
miration, and could already describe its beauties. It became time
for Salamis to think of perfecting an education which had i
happily begun. But, in order to do this, it \\

should fi'sd an instructor as ell qualified to to , ith us

Amirala had shown herself to tutor his iiifa,n<-y. There was in
the camp of Salamis an old pLil:,_,jl,er ? named Ilia-kits, skilled in

ENTERTAINMENTS. 345

all the sciences, and blameless in his conduct. But he was at that
time afflicted by a distemper, which was conducting him slowly
to the tomb. " Ah ! would God restore me the sage Ilfakis," said
the emir one day, in the presence of his minister. " How would
you employ him ?" replied the other. " I have just come from his
tent. - He told me that he had just taken an elixir, which had
made him wonderfully better. He was standing he even walked
a few steps very firmly before me, and I make no doubt that if
you wish to see him, he may be able to wait upon you here." "Go
ask him," said the emir. " I look upon his recovery to life as a
miracle, wrought by Heaven for my sake, even more than for his."

Ilfakis obeyed the emir's orders, and agreed to his proposal.
5foung Habib was committed to his new master. They lived to-
gether in the same tent. The cares of the governor found a soil
so naturally happy, and so well prepared in his young pupil's
mind, that it was fit to receive every degree of cultivation. Habib
was soon able to tell the names of all the stars, to describe the
paths of the planets, and to calculate their sizes and distances.
He knew the various species of trees and plants, and could describe
their properties. lie could discourse of vegetation, and knew In
what manner heat and moisture produced fertility. He knew the
sea to be formed by the influx of the rivers ; he could trace the
vapors raised from it by the heat of the sun to the tops of the
mountains, and there behold them falling into plenteous springs,
to perpetuate the wonderful operations of nature. He knew how
to rank every animal in its proper class; while the wonders of in-
stinct excited his surprise, he was pleased to see these still in sub-
ordination to the energies of reason.*

While, with the assistance of Ilfakis, he strove to arrange in
order all this vast variety of ideas, he was at the same time atten-
tive to fix them in his mind, and learned the art of writing, with
pens cut in seven different ways.f Salamis, one day, desired his
son to communicate to him some part of the 1'earning he had ac-
quired. " Father," said the youth, " you must apply to my master

* The Arabians were the first who taught us to study the wondrous operations
of nature ; they translated the Greek philosophers. There is, therefore, noth.ng
improbable in what is here related of the education of young Habib.

t The pens u-ed by the Arabians are reeds. Whatever be the value they may
put upon the cutting of pens in all these different ways, it is certain that they
reckon it a higi merit to be able to illuminate their writings skilfully.

15*

346 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

to give you the information you desire. As for me, I must long bo
all eye and all ear. I must learn to use my hand, before I begin
to exercise my tongue, and to write my letters as pure as pearls
from the water." Salamis, delighted with this reply, asked liis
sage governor whether there was anything else that he could teach
his son. " The young prince." replied Ilfakis, " never puts a ques-
tion to me but he is well able to anticipate the reply. I have
opened to his eyes the great book of nature ; its wonders are at
each glance more and more clearly unfolded to his view. Farther
instruction would only retard his progress, and detain him neod-
lessly from the scenes of active life. It is time, prince, for my
pupil to begin his application to those arts which are necessary
accomplishments to the man who is one day to rule over sixty-six
warlike tribes. In those my assistance could be of no service to
him. My body must soon return to the dust, and rest with ita
parent earth." " Why so gloomy a presage ?" replied the emir ;
" you may promise yourself many a good year yet, and you shall
be liberally supplied with every comfort which the infirmities of
age require. My treasure shall be entirely at your command."
"Prince," replied the sage, " all the riches in this world are not
of more value than a grain of sand, in my eyes. All my desires
have long since failed. This frail body, which I have no further
wish to preserve, owes its prolonged existence solely to the secret
views of Providence, in favor of Salamis. This day is marked
out by destiny as the last in which it shall be animated. In ful-
filling my duty, I have enjoyed all the recompense I wish to re-
ceive here below." " Farewell, then, virtuous Ilfakis," said the
emir. ' Receive my son's embraces and mine. Your loss must
cost us many tears, but we will soothe your distress by going often
to visit your tent.'-" " You shall return there no more," replied
he. " My tent is like a vapor dispersed by the wind, and I myself,
like the dust, driven before it in its fury. Farewell, Salamis ; fare-
well, my dear Habib. Think sometimes of me, amidst the difficul-
ties with which you are soon to struggle." Young Habib was
much affected at this scene; but his sensibility was put next day
to a harder trial. His worthy governor died soon after returning
to his own tent. The body was immediately interred, to free tlie
camp from the infection which it produced, the moment after it
was deserted by the spirit which had animated it. Habib retired,
and wept beside his mother. Amirala was pleased with his sen-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 347

sibility, while she strove to console him. She represented the
things of this earth as inadequate to our felicity, and directed him
to extend his views beyond it. These consoling considerations
calmed young Habib's sorrow, but he wished to pay the last duties
to his benefactor, to strew some flowers on his tomb, and to offer
up his prayers to the Most High, on that hallowed spot. He went
to Ilfakis's tent with three emblematic flowers in his hand. His
soul was dissolved in tender melancholy. Tears flowed silently
down his cheeks, lie stood still for a moment to indulge his grief,
which was thus mingled with sweet affection, and then expressed
his feelings in these words :

" I tread on the spot where my dear Ilfakis is laid. Angels of
death, when you approached to receive his soul, were not your
hearts moved like mine ? great Prophet ! thou hast received
this virtu(fus Mussulmaif ! Thou hast given him a crown of un-
fading glory ! preserve these flowers from withering, which I
lay as crowns upon his dear remains.

" The soul of my dear Ilfakis does not wander here, otherwise
those parched plains would smile with verdant plants and bloom-
ing flowers, just as his looks and words used to raise in my heart
the shoots of wisdom and the charms of virtue.

t( Be happy, sleep, rest in peace, benevolent soul. De gn to re-
ceive this testimony of my gratitude while I thus adorn thy cold
remains ! Thou hast cultivated my mind with reason and truth
hast taught me to love my duty, and hast opened my heart to feel
thedelights of virtuous friendship. Thus do I express my friend-
ship and gratitude to thee.' ?

Salamis was expecting his son's return. lt Habib," said he, " after
thus obeying the emotions of gratitude, you must now think of
acquiring knowledge which may be more directly useful in your
situation. You are, my son, destined by Heaven to succeed me in
command of the valiant tribes under my dominion. You must
march at their head in every military expedition. You mtist^
therefore, learn how you may conduct them upon such occasions,
must harden yourself against fatigue, and must acquire those
military arts which may best enable you to triumph over every
enemy that shall dare to resist you. By uniting address and
dexterity to strength, you may make yourself the most gallant and
intrepid soldier in your armies. You have already begun to ao-
custorn yourself to bear arms. Only indolence, or cowar lice, sink

348 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

under their weight. The brave man makes himself familiar with
it, and it soon becomes light to him. Ah ! why cannot I find
among my warriors one as well qualified to instruct you in the ex-
ercise of arms, as Ilfakis was to initiate you in science ? An
accomplished soldier is a phoenix, scarcely to be found. The great
prophet performed a miracle in our favor, "by preserving Ilfakis ;
would that his goodness would also send me the extraordinary
character to w r hom I wish now to commit you. ?; " Father," said
Habib, tl in my diversions I can attack your most vigorous horses ;
my strength and courage never forsake me. Change this robe of
linen for a cuirass of iron. Give me a heavier buckler, and a
stronger lance, and you shall then find me no unworthy companion
to yourself. Ah ! when shall I be permitted to lay aside these
clothes, which render almost my very sex equivocal, and convey
no favorable idea of the vigor which nffture has givefi me ? It
requires only to be tutored to discipline. All iny wish is, to learn
how I best may employ it." " Worthy present from the hand of
Heaven !" said the emir, embracing his son. " Happy child ! hope
of my tribes. He who inspires you with such noble disposition!
will surely assist you in the cultivation of them."

Hardly was this conversation ended, when a warrior presented
himself at the entrenchments around Salamis's camp, and begged
to have the honor of being admitted into his presence. il Introduce
him," said the emir. " My he.art, the first wish of which is to see
peace and justice reign through the earth, desires to live among
men who are their protectors. 5 ' The stranger appeared.

The noble steed on which he was borne, covered him with his
flowing mane, so that only the crest of his helmet, and the plume
of feathers waving upon it, could be seen. He approached the
tent, and alighted from his horse. Habib, who had gone before,
seized the bridle, and delivered him to one of the emir's grooms.
"Valiant knight," said the emir, "with what intentions came you
hither?" " I came," replied the unknown knight, " to do homage
to the virtues, the courage, and the pow r er of the great emir, Ben-
Hilac Salamis, and to ask young Habib to admit me to share the
favors with which he is loaded by the lovely daughter of Hymen.
The warrior who has her in his arms, intoxicated with the enjoy-
ment, will soon forget the dangers to which he has been ex-
posed."

The emir, not comprehending what was meant by this address,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 349

asked his son to explain it. " Father, 1 ' said Habib, in a tone ol
kind concern, " this noble knight asks leave to salute you, and to
share my coffee."

Then, turning to the stranger : " Warrior," said he, " to desire
the favors of the daughter of Hymen is to show one's self worthy
of those which she delights to pour into the hearts of such as love
glory. Nothing of what you desire shall be refused you here.
The hero whom you see is Emir Salamis, and I am his son Ha-
bib."

The two heroes then saluted each other. Salamis had never
seen a man of a finer figure, or one in whom majesty and grace were
more happily united. His arms of polished steel reflected the
sun's rays with such lustre, that they seemed to rob him of that
radiance which they borrowed. His helmet glittered like a meteor
in the sky ; the blade of his scimetar flamed afar. No gold or
diamonds decorated any part of his armor ; its lustre was owing
to its simplicity, and to the warrior's care.

While this stranger knight was drinking his coffee, Salamis was
curious to learn, from his own mouth, what were the motives which
had brought him to his camp.

" Illustrious and powerful emir," replied the knight, tl I am of a
Parthian family, and was born in a remote part of India. In my
infancy I conceived a passion for glory, and betook myself to the
profession of arms. The fame which you have acquired in Arabia
roused my emulation. I wished for a nearer knowledge of him
whom I considered as a noble model for my imitation. On the
confines of your territories I learned that you at this time wanted
a governor to assist you in the military education of young Habib ;
and although he might learn all that can be necessary from his
father, Salamis, yet I conceived that as it was requisite for him to be
constantly attended, in all his exercises, my services might be of
use to him, and I am, therefore, come to offer them."

" Sir," replied the emir, " I feel myself much obliged to you, and
the generosity of your sentiments determines me to accept your
services. But since my son must one day be able to rule my do-
minions, none shall be his instructor who cannot master me in
fight. Let us try our strength against one another, and without
malice contend for victory. The man who conquers me shall ba
tutor to my son. "It is an honor," replied the stranger knight,
to which the greatest warriors might be proud to aspire. I ac

350 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

cept the challenge of the great Salamis, nor shall I be ashamed to
confess him my conqueror, whom none has ever conquered."

Salamis's ministers, who witnessed this challenge, dissuaded him
from it, and told him that he was wrong to enter into any such con-
test, with a man whose birth and condition in life were unknown to
him. li What signify rank and birth ? 7> replied the emir. ''It is
a warrior I want, not a king. If this knight is blinded by pre-
sumption, I can be in no danger in contending with him but if
his courage is equal to his manly assurance, neither of us will be
at any disadvantage, and I shall have entered the lists with my
equal." Then turning to the stranger' "Sir knight," said he,
" rest yourself, and let your steed recover breath. I do not wish
you to combat with me under any disadvantage. If I desire to
measure my strength and courage against yours, it is not to avoid
giving you my esteem, but to put it in your power to conquer it.
On the day after to morrow we shall proceed to the camp."

Habib conducted the stranger into a tent prepared for him.
The knight, sensibly affected with the- kindness and attention thus
shown to him, looked upon the youth with a heart already inter-
ested by his character. ' The young vine," said he, tl loaded with
fruits, engages the passing traveller to set a prop for its support.
When the grape ripens, it will offer itself to the passengers
hand."

They then saluted one anotner, and Habib retired to his father's
tent. When day returned, he ran to the tent of the knight, who
had already began to fill that place in his heart which Ilfakis had
formerly held. He found him busy in scouring his arms, and ex-
amining his horse's harness. u What ! you yourself do this 1 n
said the young sultan. " Yes, prince, he who is jealous of his
glory ought to neglect nothing that can contribute to it; his arms
are the only mirror a true knight deigns to use."

In the meantime the field was prepared in which Salamis and
the stranger knight were to enter the lists. The trumpets sounded ;
an immense crowd of spectators stood around the barriers. The
warriors appeared ; and on both sides the advantages appeared so
equal, that it was impossible to say to whom the victory might in**
dine.

The lances they poised were of equal weight ; their horses of
the same size and strength. They rushed toward one another with
^he impetuosity of lightning. Furious, however, as was the shock,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 851

they both remained immovable in their seats, and their lances
were broken in pieces. Salamis, who had never before met with
such opposition, was astonished to find so vigorous an assault inef-
fectual ; and his adversary, from other motives, which it is yet too
soon to mention, was himself at the same time in the greatest sur-
prise. The emir made a sign to hie adversary that he wanted to
speak with him. The stranger knight stopped, alighted from his
horse, and advanced up to him. *

"Brave knight,' 7 said the emir, "you have given me a high
proof of your prowess, which makes me hope that to-morrow,
when we meet with our scimitars in our hands, I shall find an ad-
versary worthy of myself." " Great prince," replied the stranger
knight, lt never mortal yet got the advantage over me. It is to
iny great astonishment that I have found one able to resist me. I
value too highly the honor you have done me, to refuse the chal-
lenge you offer me for to-morrow." After this the two warriors
shook hands, parted, and laid aside their arms. Habib went to his
father's tent, to do what filial duty required, and then at the im-
pulse of friendship, returned soon after to the stranger, while
those who had been appointed to serve him were relieving him of
his arms. <; You no longer refuse, then," said Habib, " to employ
those who are appointed to obey your orders ?" " No, my amia-
ble sultan. Let me tell you an apologue, the meaning of which I
apply to my own profession, certainly the first in the world.
When the sun rises, he employs no hand but his own to spread out
the rays which surround him. When he goes to rest, he leaves
it to the waves of the ocean, into which he sinks, to extinguish
them."

" I shall answer you with another apologue," said Habib. " or
rather with a truth with which you impress me. The hero whc
has sustained unmoved the enormous weight of my father's lance
has dazzled my eyes with his lustre, and he whom I see still shine
can never be extinguished.''

"A young eaglet," replied the stranger, "who is yet scarce
fledged, opened his eyes to the light for the first time. He saw a
glow-worm on the foliage of a neighboring tree, and was not daz
sled with the sight. The prince of birds, then, no longer doubted
that he would one day gaze on the sun with a steady eye."

' Sure," said Habib, ' the phoenix which speaks to me is con-
tinually revr:cd from his ashes, and at each renovation of his ex.-

352 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

i&tence, look sback with contempt on all the advantages he before en-
joyed." " With you, charming Habib," said the warrior, embracing
him, " I have no advantages, unless, perhaps, in the affection with
which you have inspired me." " Could I open my heart to you,"
said Habib, " you would acknowledge yourself outdone ; but my
father must no longer be deprived of the pleasure of seeing you.
He loves heroes, and you, although you say not so, are a hero."
" It may happen," replied the stra'nger. " that one of us two may ono
day become a hero. At present I see no heroes here." As they
spoke thus they walked hand in hand to the tent of Salainis.
The emir was pleased to remark the rise of a mutual attachment,
which he was determined to strengthen.

Salamis no sooner saw the stranger knight than he accosted him
with expressions of the warmest esteem. " I know," said he, " that
you can no longer find difficulty in any trial I can put you to. It
is not to settle my own opinion with respect to you, that I require
a new display of your courage and vigor ; but I command a war-
like nation, jealous of their glory, and am desirous of leaving
them no shadow of doubt concerning the superior merit of a man
who is to be honored with a preference above them. I must
carry my delicacy so far (and you will not disapprove of my doing
so) as to open the lists to whosoever may think himself able to
dispute your triumph, when you shall have finished your trials
against me. In the meantime, let as enjoy the present together.
To-morrow we shall force envy to admire you."

Next day displayed the most surprising combat that the
Arabians ever beheld. The two heroes opposed buckler to buckler,
and laid on the most terrible blows. The stroke was felt before
the arm had been seen to be raised. They then laid aside the
buckler and scimitar, and prepared to try their strength in wrest-
ling. The winds, in all their fury, in vain assail the cedars of
j^ebanon. The earth trembles beneath them, but they cannot be
torn up by the roots.

Emir Salamis did not choose to keep up the astonishment of
the spectators longer. He was bettter pleased to have met w A ih
an equal than he could have been with victory in the contest.

" Let us stop for a moment," said he, "brave knight ! my sur-
prise is every moment heightened ; I never before found any ono
able to withstand me ; I was, indeed, less elated with my victories
than move 1 with pity for the weakness of our nature, When ]

ENTERTAINMENTS. 353

compared our resources with the natural advantages which cer-
tain animals are possessed of, I confess I was wrong. 1 think less
of the vigor of the lion, since I have proved yours. Let us cease
from this fatiguing exercise, saddle our steeds, and attack each
other with javelins."

This new species of combat afforded new matter of triumph to
both the combatants. Every means that address, dexterity, and
strength could furnish, were practiced upon this occasion. The emir,
however, was beginning to lose his advantages. Youth gave his
adversary a superiority which his valor could not surmount. He
was besides, convinced that the stranger possessed in a most em-
inent degree, all the qualities requisite for the employment for
which he intended him. He stopped, therefore, and made a sign
to the stranger to do the same, and they returned hand in hand
to the camp.

li Knight/ 7 said Salamis, " my son will find in you a second father.
You know how your own vigor has been improved by continued
exercise, by which means only you could add to it such amazing
dexterity and address. You know also how necessary it is that
we be accustomed to dangers, in order that we may acquire due
coolness of temper, and firmness of mind. I give up to your care
the only object of my hopes. Teach him to know what true glory
is, and how attainable by the warrior."

Young Habib had, by his wishes and inclination, already an-
ticipated his father's intentions. He therefore joyfully followed
his new master. " I come," said he, " to profit by your lessons. I
must imitate my father and you, and may I approch near to the
perfection of the models I aspire to imitate."

"We will portion out our time to our different tasks, my dear
Habib," said II Haboul, for this was the name of the Indian
knight. " The day wo shall spend in such exercises as may im-
prove your vigor and address to equal your courage. In the
evening we shall converse of those qualities, which will be neccs-
Bary to fit you to rule over the most independent people on earth.
They have at all times preferred liberty to luxury. Valor, joined
with prudence, are the qualities they adore. These are the titles
by which the emir, your father, reigns over sixty-six tribes. You
cannot inherit his power, unless you acquire his virtues."

On this plan did II Ilaboul direct Ilabib's education, and it soon
produced the happiest fruits. Emir Salamis was soon after en

354 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

gaged in a war, in which the young sultan distinguished himself
by prodigies of valor. Being ordered upon a difficult service, he
distinguished himself by his prudence and firmness ; and when
called on to assist in his fathers councils, he astonished the minis-
ters by the wise advice he offered.

II Haooul's task was now finished, and- he was obliged to part
from his pupil. It was proper to acquaint the young prince with
the necessity which called him away. " My son," said he, " I
must leave you. I am called into another country by the orders of
my superiors/' "What," said Habib, ft and will you leave nae ?"
" I am no longer necessary to you here, and am besides obliged to
yield to the commands of fate." " How unfortunate am I !" re-
plied the youth. " Death deprived me of my former master,
Ilfakis, whom I still remember with regret, and a harsh command
now forces you to part from me ! But, do we part forever ? -May
not I know why ? Cannot my father prevail with you to alter
your resolution ?'' " No human power can," replied II Haboul ;
" but I hope to see you again. However, my dear Habib, I can
offer you at least a partial consolation. He whom you loved under
the name of Ilfakis is not dead, but still remains attached to you."
u How ? ; ' replied Habib, " I myself attended his funeral, and wept
over his tomb."

" My sou," replied II Haboul, " the story of the death you speak
of, is connected with various others, in which you are concerned,
perhaps even with yours and mine. Listen to what I shall relate.
Remember your horoscope, and be not surprised at the story you
are about to hear. In the first place, know that he who loves and
speaks to you is not a human being, but a genie, employed by des-
tiny to conduct you to the high fate for which you were born."

STORY OF ILLABOUSATROUS, OF KING SCHAL-GOASE, AND OF CAMAR-
ILZAMAN.

It is well known to you, my dear prince, that some of the genii
of the race of Eblis bowed the knee to the great Solomon. Illa-
bousatrous was one of the first of these. I am of the same race,
and took the same steps. Among my own people I am called a
cadi, by the grace of God and of Solomon. To escape the resent-
ment and vengeance of the party whom he had forsaken, and to
induce the Prophet, to whom we have submitted, to alleviate the
yoke imposed upon us, we form alliances with the children of

ENTERTAINMENTS. 855

Adam, and through their means partake of the blessings cf the
earth.

Illabousatrous had by a woman a daughter of great beauty,
whom he named Carnarilzaruan to secure her peace and happiness,
he wished to marry her to one of the greatest monarchs of the
earth. At that time there reigned over the isles in the middle of
the seven seas, the most distant region of the east, a potent mon-
arch named Schal-goase. Illabousatrous appeared to this prince,
in the form of an old man, and proposed an alliance between them,
of which the fair Camarilzaman was the pledge. The monarch
saw the princess, fell in love with her, and married her. Many of
the genii who were subject to Illabousatrous, settled in the do-
minions of Schal-goase. The circumjacent sea was peopled with
them, and in no place under Heaven did the genii and the children
of men live in better amity. This happy correspondence promised
to be further confirmed and improved, upon the birth of the charm-
ing Doruthil-goase. the first issue of the marriage between Schal-
goase and Camarilzaman.

Were the gifts of Heaven always pledges of prosperity in this
world, nobody, sure, could have been happier than this lovely
princess. Her infant beauty seemed to irradiate the cradle in
which she was laid; each day she displayed opening graces : but
when her father and grandfather consulted the stars respecting
her destiny, the same confusion which appeared to disturb the
planetary system at your birth, discovered itself upon the occasion
of hers, and that with such perfect similarity, as to prove that you
were the Arabian prince, sprung from the prophet's favorite tribe, to
whom fate had destined the possession of the princess, to be ob-
tained through a series of dangers equally alarming to both, and
this union alone could insure her peace and happiness, her fortune
and yours.

From this time Illabousatrous entrusted me with the care of
your education ; but Solomon's orders did not permit me to ap-
proach you. I could obtain no commission favorable to our pur-
pose, till such time as your father became desirous of finding you
a preceptor. Ilfakis, whom the emir, your father, had in view,
was dying. I came to the tent where he laid, and at the very in-
stant when the angel of death was parting his soul from his body,
I substituted my own spirit in the room of his. By means of a
potent elixir I reanimated his body, and to chip miracle you owed
your governor.

AHARTAX SIGHTS

When I saw that it was time for you to apply to the man-
erases, I carried the body of Ilfakis back to his tent, and with-
drew that influence by which it had been withheld from diasclu-

-.. . .

next are was to find you a valiant knight. In this see.
goon found one expiring on the field of battle, after he had cc
it with the bodies of his faUen enemies. I ached his body, stopped
the Wood flowing from his wounds, healed them with a balsam much

owerful in its operations than that restored all hw

former rigor, armed him with a lance which had been wiel
hand of Solomon, aad you see before you that knight. In tbi
form 1 presents B Jamis, and demanded to share

tiie favors of the daughter of Hymen : upon which you becar
pupiL

dear Habib, you have formed a tender friendship for me
under both forms. Your heart has never d

did a being of any nature conceive so tender an ^: r one

of the children of Adam as that which I feel for ; have

no distrust of me. Recollect the lessons I gave
character of Ilfakis. When I instructed you in the knowleo (
talismans, I explained tL it I at the same time pu

on your guard agair which they might subje*.-

The race of Ebiis are. in general, extremely corrupt and w
Happy he among us who has been scaled with the great s
The rest are continually busied about our destr

and yours.

do they persecute the fair Dorathil-goase, who

- them from the effects of die enne pronounced against them,
a* she is the daughter of a man by a female geni

already become suspicious of you as a faithful Mussulman,
and the hero destined to avenge the wrongs of Dorathil-goac
defeat their treacherous attempts against her.

This princess has ascended the throne in consequence c (
fathers death. Illabousatrou*, her grand: her

some of his ablest genii, for

capital stands, is the only one that remains, at pro -:a*e d

tranquility. The other six, with the seven seas, forming the rest
of her doinini -^ s*** ' : ^^

been iafe- stile incursions. Only one resource now re-

iU een, and by this the consteiLitiou

ENTEKTAI NJIENTS. 357

Destined that she shall be saved. Youug Habib, on whom she has
bestowed her heart, shall soon come to deliver her from her
enemies.

During this recital by I] Haboul, the young sultan, led altern-
ately from hope to fear, from surprise to surprise, and from wonder
to wonder, stood, with his eyes fixed, and hardly breathing. His
whole soul was agitated with emotions to which he had hitherto
been a stranger. Called by destiny to the throne of the seven
seas, and to receive the hand of a princess, whose felicity depended
upon him alone, he felt an involuntary emotion, and burnt already
with ardor to expose himself to the dangers which threatened him
The feelings of love and the desire of glory, alike encouraged
him to an enterprise in which success was to be doubly crowned.

" Dear and powerful genie," said he to his protector, ' what road
am I to take ? Deign, before you leave me, to acquaint me by
what means I may soonest haste to the assistance of her who ex-
pects all my valor. The sacrifice of my life and quiet, is but a small
matter to justify the partiality by which she is determined in my
favor, and the decrees of destiny by which our union is appointed.' 7

" By these noble sentiments,'' replied II Haboul, " I know my
pupil, the son of Emir Salamis ; but remember, my dear Habib,
that the genii, your rivals for the hand of Dorathil-goase, and, in-
deed, your avowed enemies, will act keenly and vigorously against
you. They will combine in the execution of their enterprises
wicked men, who will obey them without knowing what they do ;
the brute animals, the elements, and in short, all nature, will be
united to accomplish their odious machinations." " God and my
courage will not forsake me," said Habib, " and you yourself will
contribute to my success." " Ah ! to be sure," replied the genie,
'I might be of great service to you were I not obliged to return
the body of the Indian warrior to the dust ; but I am constrained
by a rigid law which I cannot elude. Persevere courageously in
your noble intentions. Expect not that I should now point out the
road you are now to take. You are divided from your mistress
by the whole length of the earth, and only the orders of destiny
can open to you her dominions, which are at present shut up on
all sides by the malice of her enemies."

P" u You once told me, my dear II Haboul, that the brave man ,
might bend destiny to his wishes." " You may, indeed, take such /
violent measures when no choice remains. But have patience till

358 ARABIAN NIGHTS

some event shall direct you how to act; I fear that whatever you
might undertake at present, would turn out against you. Go. at-
tack lions, one of which you have already destroyed, without
other weapons than your poinard. Make yourself beforehand
familiar with dangers, that you may be prepared for those which
await you. Farewell, my dear Habib ; I return no more to the
camp of Salamis I must avoid coming to any explanation with
him : and if you let him know who I am, and who I have been, at
least let every one else remain ignorant of these circumstances.
Depend upon retaining the friendship of him who has not always
been a friend to mankind, but whom you have fully reconciled to
them. Embrace me !" II Ilaboul now mounted his steed and
rode away.

As soon as he was out of the young sultan's sight, he struck in-
to the desert, and halted at the foot of a hill. There he left the
horse on which he rode, and having dug a grave, deposited in it
his mortal body, and availing myself of the two last days which
the orders of Solomon yet left him, proceeded without delay to
the frontiers of the dominions of Dorathil-goase.

A black battalion withstood his approach but he learned from
a spirit which had deserted, that the White Isle, the Yellow Isle,
the Green, the Red, and the Blue Isles, had been subdued by the
genie Abarikaff, who, although at first master only of the Black
Isle, had now obtained possession of all the others, and of the
seas by which they are divided.

The princess, shut up in her capital of Medinaz-Ilballor,* \ra s
no longer mistress of any part of her dominions, but the territory
in which the city stood. This was all that the protection of her
grandfather, Illabousatrous, and the exertions of the genie whom
he placed as her viziers, could save from the rebel, who had col-
lected a legion of revolted spirits from the depth of the sea. The
six isles, thus reduced under the power of the evil genii, were
governed by rulers still more mischievous and tyrannical. The
people were the victims of their vices, and the continual sport of
their diabolical enchantments. Dorathil-goase called in vain on
the deliverer promised her by fate. All the passes were guarded,
and the place of her residence was inaccessible to men. All na-
ture seemed subject to those malignant genii.

* The city of crystal.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 359

II Ilaboul was inwardly distressed to see so many obstacles op
posed to his pupil's valor ; but he himself was now reduced tc
silence and inactivity, and could only wait with impatience for the
time when his protection should become necessary. He returned,
therefore, to the duties of his former post, and waited for the issue
of events.

Habib, upon the departure of his master, had returned, hastily,
to Salamis and Amirala, and acquainted them with the wondroua
things of which he had just been informed. The sparkling of his
eyes, the elevation of his voice, and the confusion of his discourse,
well expressed how much he was affected by the dangers and the
charms of Dorathil-goase, the perplexity which he felt, and the
hopes he had conceived. tl On me only is she to rely/' said he,
with a noble assurance. " I can know no rest, till I have de-
livered her. The moments are precious. No person can point
out or open the road by which I am to proceed to her assistance.'
In this state of uncer tainty, what can I do ?"

His parents saw that this uncommon passion was produced, not
BO much by sympathy, as by the influence of the stars, which they
could not counteract. Instead of combating his resolutions,
therefore, they only laid his duties anew before him, and remind-
ed him of the sage advice he had received from his governor.
The young man to avoid habits of sloths and inactivity, and to
accustom himself still more and more to hardship, retired from
the tents of the tribe to a solitary recess, which he and II Haboul
had formerly prepared together in a sequestered vale, surrounded
by the hills adjoining the camp of Salami?.

Here, they had amused themselves amidst their martial exer-
cises, with forming a dyke to dam up the course of a small rivu-
-et, by which its waters were collected into a natural basin. The
surrounding trees afforded delightful shade, and diffused their
branches so thick, that the surrounding hills could scarcely be
seen through the foliage. The greatest variety of flowers, the
rarest plants, the most precious aromatic herbs, grew in abund-
ance on the banks of the rivulet, and the ground being preserved
by the coolness of the water, by which it was so liberally refresh-
ed, from suffering by the heat of the sun, displayed in profusion
all the riches of nature. At a small distance stood a hut or ra-
ther a palace, formed of the branches of trees covered with rushes,
and spread with mats. The skins of wild anim&li, which thej

360 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

had slain, formed their sofas. An outer fence of stakes secured
this little dwelling against any hostile assault.

II Haboul, when he persuaded Habib to form this rustic abode,
taught him how he might one day supply all his own wants. Sit-
ting down by the door, he invited his pupil to contemplate
the noble amphitheatre before him. ''Have you not a plea^"
sure," continued he, " in thinking that for the enjoyment which
these afford, you are indebted to yourself alone ? Thus we never
can be perfectly happy, but through ourselves."

This retirement, of which Habib was very fond, was well cal-
culated to feed his growing passion. He had retired to think of
the sole object of his wishes, and of the means by which they,
might be united.

One day, as he was musing, with his eyes fixed on the Almoa
yet without reading, and his imagination absorbed in the ideas of
love and war, he heard a sudden noise in the air. He kneeled
down, upon this, and moving the branches aside with his hand,
perceived a large shade descending over the pond. After continu-
ing its progress for a small space, the object which produced this
shade halted upon the brink of the water. It was a bird^of a dark
grey color, and bore upon its back a pavilion, the sides of which
seemed to be gauze, and the doors and windows were decorated,
all about, with flowers.

The bird alighted, and the pavilion opened. A golden stair-
case was let down from it. On the top of this appeared a figure,
supported by others no less remarkable for beauty. On her head
she wore a tiara, formed of the tresses of her own hair, inter-
woven with strings of pearls. The lily and the rose vied in her
cheek ; the lustre of her eyes, her vermillion lips, and the lovely
dimples around them, bore at once an expression of smiling sweet-
ness and keen sensibility.

She raised her eyes to heaven, and the sun was eclipsed she
turned them upon the ground, and it was bespread with flowers.
She smiled and all nature seemed to smile around her. But how
was Habib affected, when he saw her move and walk with grace
and majesty ! She leaned on the arm of one of the beauties who
attended her, and thus proceeded to the sultan's recess, and there
sat down upon the grass, within two paces of him, yet without
perceiving him.

She looked just to one side, then to the other ; then, sighing, said,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 361

"I have been deceived. lie is uot bore, this is not tbe place of
his retreat. But tbeso smiling arbors, tbe sweet murmur of
these waters, these flowers which art and nature conspire to rear,
all here, in short, are his work. But be is not here. Oh, thou
flowery turf, ye blossoming bowers, cherished by the care of my
dear Habib, lend an ear to my words, borrow a voice to tell my
tale, and inform my lover when he shall come hither, that the ten-
der Dorathil-goa.se came to the midst of Arabia in search of her
hero, to offer him her throne and her heart, and to accomplish his
destiny. Must she then leave these regions, without seeing the
idol of her soul ?" Thus spoke the princess sorrowfully, and held
her hands to her eyes to stop her tears, which were ready to flow.
Habib at this moment cast himself at her feet, which he bedewed
with his tears, before she could perceive or prevent him.

" Is it you. then, I see ?" cried she, looking at once upon the
young hero at her feet, and at his picture, which she wore con-
stantly in her bosom. ' Is not this an illusion, my dear Ilabib ? ;;
" It is your lover, your deliverer. queen of my soul !" replied
he passionately, kissing her hand. After which, silence was for a
while the only expression of mutual love and admiration.

But this pure and exquisite enjoyment was only of a moment's
duration. A sudden noise was heard, a bird appeared in tbe air,
approached, and by an instantaneous transformation became a
genie in the human form, who presented himself to Dorathil-goase.
" What," said the queen, " is it you, Ilbaccaraa ? What urgent
reason brings you from Medinaz-ilballor, to find me here ?"

"Queen," replied the genie, " by your absence you expose your-
self to lose all your dominions. The rebel, Abarikaff, has taken
advantage of this circumstance to. attack the only isle which re-
mains to you. Your grand vizier in vain opposes so numerous a
host of enemies as infest your shores. All the rebel genii have
ranged themselves under the banner of your adversary ; they
darken the sea, and overspread all the coasts. Your subjects are
terrified with the roaring of lions, sea-bulls and hippopotami,
\vhich are re-echoed through the air and make your capital trem-
ble. Come and oppose this rage, with the magic of your talis-
man : seize the only pass which remains open, and hold your way
through the middle region of the air.' 7

At hearing this relation, Ilabib felt his blood boil within his
reins. His eyes were fired : his stature seemed to rise to a new

362 AIJABIAN NIC. UTS'

elevation; his voice sounded terribly. "Lot us march against
these monsters," cried he : " I will clear the earth and seas of them ;
I will avenge heaven and the queen." " Prince," replied Ilbaccaras,
in astonishment, if you were properly armed, you might be equal
to this enterprise; but the enemies of the great Solomon can only
be vanquished with the arms of Solomon. These you must seek on
the heights of Mount Caucasus, and a thousand dangers block up
the way." Then speaking to the queen, " Let us be gone, madam,' 7
said he, " the moments are precious ; if we lose but one, the
wicked Abarikaff may triumph !"

The two lovers tenderly embraced each other, and parted with
a degree of fortitude becoming their love. Dorathil-goase seated
herself in her pavillion; the roc arose into the air and disap-
peared. Habib followed the flight with his eyes, and now gave
himself up with greater ardor than ever to the tenderness of love
and ambition for glory.

" Adieu ! gentle rivulet !" said he, " whose waters have so
quenched my thirst, and bathed my limbs; thou canst be of no
farther service to me; my heart, my blood, my vitals burn with a
flame which thou canst not quench.

"Adieu ! thou flowery plain, on which my love has deigned to
tread. Preserve, if you can, the print of her footsteps, that my
eyes may trace them, if I shall ever return hither.

u Adieu, ye tender shrubs, which lent her your shade : well
may ye boast of having served as a canopy to such charms!

"Adieu ! thou land which hast witnessed my felicity ; never
shall Habib forget thee ! The palaces of the kings of the world shall
be worthless in my eyes, in comparison with thee. Here my soul
expanded itself for the first time to happiness ; here I first felt all
the ardor of love ! but here, too, have I felt the most cruel loss
I could suffer; for hence was Dorathil-goase ravished from me!
Yes. I will not fear to brave the demons of darkness, who dispute
with me the possession of my lovely mistress! Grefft prophet!
Oh ! do thou open to me the path which is to conduct me to glory
and happiness ! I will pierce the heart of the traitor Abarikaff;
and thou, great Solomon ! if 1 am not unworthy of wearing thine
armor give me wings on which I mayfly to Mount Caucasus!
Covered with thy buckler, may I overthrow the enemies of tho
queeen of my heart."

Ilabib, having after this performed his prayers and ablutions, re-
turned to his father's tent, determined to take the road to Caucasus

ENTERTAINMENTS. 363

as soon as he should have obtained permission. It may be easily
imagined how forcibly he would describe to Salamis and Amirala
the circumstances of his last adventure ; his words absolutely
painted. But great was the surprise of his parents when he ut-
tered a solemn vow before them not to rest his head in any tent,
till he should first stand on the summit of Mount Caucasus.

" What a desperate enterprise, my son/ 7 said the emir ; " know
you not that Mount Caucasus is situate at the utmost limits of
the earth ; that you must traverse dreadful deserts before you
can reach it ? Men you may vanquish ; but how will you bear
the severity of climates to which you are a stranger ? IIovv can
you provide against the famine which desolates the immense re
gions through which you will have to travel ? These are enemies
which you cannot overcome." "Ah ! father," replied Ilabib, " caff?
rtlny fear hold me back, when I go under the impulse of glory and.
Jgtte ? And even though I were a stranger to the powerful influ-
ence of these, my heart naturally glows with a detestation of ty-
rants : I could descend into the bowels of the earth to tear out
and punish the base Abarikaff/'

Salamis was obliged to yield to sentiments which he had him
self instilled into his sou's heart; he could not reply without con-
tradicting his own principles. He chose twenty men of tried
prudence and courage to attend his son, and gave them commo
dious and suitable equipage, with two camels to bear the tents
and the baggage.

They day for their departure came, and the emir was forced to
tear himself from the arms of his affectionate and beloved son.
Their parting scene was sorrowful ; the tender Amirala wept, and
cried :

" My cedar, fastened by strong roots, surpassing in beauty the
cedars of Lebanon. The birds of the air built their nests upon its
branches ; our flock pastured under the shade ; but lo ! it is sud-
denly borne away through the parched and sandy deserts.

"Ye furious winds, strive not to shake it. It was made to brave
your fury !

"Ye gloomy clouds, ye lightning, ye tempests, which precede
tho bursting of the thunder, respect a stem impressed with the
seal of the great prophet !"

" Enough, my dear Amirala," said Salamis, l( our son's inten-
tion is noble ; he is bound by his vow to prosecute this enterprise
the lionesss nurses not her whelps for herself alone ; when

364. AKABIAN NIGHTS'

age and enemies call, she sends them to face the -ferocious
tigers."

The company at length departed. Ilabib wore a massy cuirass
of Haoudi. II is buckler seemed to him light, but would have
wearied the strongest arm. A tree of the thickness of his lance
w r ould afl'ord a considerable shade; the weight of his scimetar
would have crushed any body which might not have been pierced
by its blade.

The fatigues of the journey were nothing to him who marched
on to glory and to Dorathtl-goase ; the way seemed to be strewed
with flowers ; yet now was Ilabib in the midst of deserts, destitute
of all the comforts of social life, and exposed to all the pains of
thirst and hunger ; from time to time, chance offered some wild
fruits, and the scanty trickling of some distant springs : these lit-
tle supplies were sufficient to make him forget all the wants and
inconveniences he suffered. But the soldiers who accompanied
the young sultan were neither lovers nor heroes ; two months of
toilsome travels began to tire them ; but their first complaints were
moderate. By a lucky accident they found on their way a place
inhabited by shepherds, which afforded them enough of milk to
fill their skins. Ilabib expected that this unhoped-for refreshment
would renew their courage, and dispel their ill-humor ; but his at-
tendants, thinking it impossible to climb the summit of Mount
Caucasus, without being exposed to the greatest danger of perish-
ing by hunger and fatigue, communicated their thoughts to the
young sultan.

" I imagined," said he, a that my father had given me men to
accompany me; but you are only women in the armor of men ; I
will not abuse the weakness of your sex. However, I must ob-
serve that you have already come too far to .turn back without
exposing yourselves to great danger ; but, since you think the
dangers before us still more formidable, give me my part of the
treasure which my father put into your hands. Take with you your
baggage and camels. I can lie in the open air. It was not to
receive your assistance that I accepted you for my companions. I
supposed you men fond of glory, and destined to attain it. I was
willing to share my own glory with my brave Arabian brethren.
This is a title which can no longer suit you ; let us part. Go, re-
turn to Salamis, and toll him that you have left his son following
out the paths to glory, armed with vigor and courage, under the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 365

protection of the great prophet, and animated with the strongest
hopes of success."

The firmness of this language astonished the young sultan's com-
panions, Lut did not move them from their purpose. They re-
garded him as a mad and obstinate youth, disposed to sacrifice all
that was valuable to vain chimeras. We are accountable for our
lives, said they among themselves, to our wives and children ; and
should be mad were we to yield to the caprice of a foolish youth
who runs headlong upon death, while he is seeking this Mount
Caucasus, which seems to fly before us : our harness is worn out;
our horses are dying we shall soon be left without resource amidst
the deserts. However, added they, if we return without him to
Arabia, Salamis will look upon us as cowardly deserters from his
eon, and we shall not escape his vengeance. If this Ilabib should
die hero, there is no lack of plants to embalm him; we could put
his body on one of our camels, and carry it quietly back to his
father.

Cowardice leads to ingratitude ; and ungrateful sentiments to
wicked actions. Those perfidious friends soon concurred in the
base design of murdering their young master. But how should
they surprise his vigilance ? He was always in arms, and always
ready to sell his life at a dear rate, if SL.J should attempt to ravish
it from him. By night he rested on his buckler, and the least
noise would awake him; his valor <and activity never sunk into
deep sleep.

Among the conspirators was one who viewed the criminal en-
terprise with abhorrence, but durst not speak his sentiments. He
feared the resentment of the rest so much the more, because he
had murmured as well as they. By revealing their designs to
Habib again, he would expose the whole troop to his vengeance,
and might find the issue fatal to himself. If the hero were vic-
torious, he alone would remain to attend him.

In this uncertainty, he spoke thus to his companions: ll Why,' 7
sold he, <' would you expose yourselves to the danger of a contest?
Ilabib had his poniard always in his hand. Before you could de-
prive him of motion even, although covered with your cuinsses,
his sword would find its way to your hearts. But there is a surer
and less sanguinary measure which you may adopt. I know an
herb which grows in theso places ; its loaves are covered with a
whito powder, which operates with greater energy than opium T

366 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

will gather some plants of it ; and as I have the care of the evening
provisions, I can find a time to administer to him this specific; and
then you may execute your purpose without danger. If we can
fulfil our intention by laying him asleep, why should we stain our
hands with his blood ? He never offended any of us. If he re-
quires us to hazard our lives in pursuit of a chimerical object, he
exposes his own with sufficient gallantry at the same time. His
reason is disordered, and he hurries forward to his destruction ;
but cannot we provide for our own safety, without attempting his
life ? He is son to the brave Salamis, in whose dominions oui
wives and children sleep in peace; under the shadow of whose
"buckler, our flocks pasture in security. To us he was always a
kind father. Is there one among us with whom he has not shared
his provisions to the last morsel ? Let us beware then of shedding
innocent blood ! The great prophet will one day demand him at
our hands. Let us leave Habib in these deserts ; after we havo
deprived him of his arms, and of all means of help and support,
we need not fear that he shall ever come to tax us with ingratitude."

The conspirators hearkened to Rabir's advice, and he was em-
ployed to put their project in exe-cution. He culled some stalks of
a plant which he knew to be a mortal poison ; he was careful to
prepare it in such a manner that death would not be the imme-
diate result of swallowing it; and on that very evening an oppor-
tunity offered for administering it.

The company arrived in a plain where the cool water of a small
rill nourished on its sides a quantity of fresh and luxuriant herb-
age. Habib, at their earnest entreaty, laid down to rest, yielding
to their advice rather out of prudence than because he had any
need of repose. He retired in unsuspecting^ security to his tent,
took some food, and with it swallowed a part of the poison, which
had been infused into a cup of milk. The conspirators took ad-
vantage of the deep sleep which soon seized upon their chief, re-
moved from him everything they could, and departed in all haste,
leaving young Habib nothing but his buckler under his head, his
cloak upon which he slept, and his poniard which he had stuck in
his girdle. Thus did these twenty knights, chosen by Salamis to
attend his son, abandon the young hero ; they returned toward
Arabia, and after undergoing many fatigues, arrived within sight
of the flags which waved from the emir's tents.

Th&t moment which might have been expected to be to them an

ENTERTAINMENTS. 367

occasion of exulting joy, overwhelmed them with anxiety, per-
plexity, and remorse. " How," said they, u shall we appear before
Salamis ? Or how tell him of the loss of his son ? Rabir, you
who contrived, and have hitherto so well managed the scheme by
which we rid ourselves of the youth, help us to bring it to a happy
issue." u You are mistaken in respect to my purpose/' replied
he; " when I saw you resolved to shed the blood of young Habib,
I sought to divert you from the crime, by pretending to assist you
in accomplishing it. With this view only did I become your ac-
complice. I am now, however, tortured with remorse. I cannot
invent a lie to conceal my treachery. My looks, my silence, my
confusion, will all tend to betray us. Let the boldest among you
tell the fabricated tale ; I cannot. It is impossible for me to help
you." "Well," replied one among the number, " I undertake the
task."

The caravan arrived in the camp of Salamis. The emir and
Amirala came eagerly to meet the company, in hopes of again
seeing their son. But great was their surprise, when they saw
tears now from every eye. He who had undertaken to speak, ad-
vanced before the rest, and thus addressed Salamis :

" Powerful emir, we return in sorrow for the mournful news we
must tell. But why should we seek to hide what you cannot but
discover ? You seek your son ; but Heaven has ravished him from
your hopes. The deserts which we have traversed are full of
venomous serpents, which lie concealed among the sands. The
young sultan kneeling down one evening to pray, spread his man-
tle before him on the grouncj, but just as he kneeled upon it, a
serpent sprung up and stung him in the face. The most alarming
illness instantly followed, and death shortly after terminated
his sufferings. We would have embalmed the body, and brought
it back with us, but it was so infected by the poison that we were
obliged to cover it up hastily in the sand, in order to avoid the
pestilential contagion with which it threatened us."

At this news, the emir rent his robe, tore his beard, and threw
dust upon his body. The camp resounded with the cries of the
inconsolable Amirala, and Salainis's sixty-six tribes put on the
garb of mourning.

In the meantime what did young Habib ? Had he again opened
his eyes to the light ? or had the force of the poison deprived the
Queeo of the Seven Seas of her sweetest hope ?

368 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The sun appeared in all his glory in the east, through a horizon
entirely cleared from vapors, and darted his rays on Habib's eye-
lids. The birds, already awake, thrilled their notes upon the tops
?f the trees which shaded the meadow; the balmy fragrance of
the flowers entered the nostrils of the hero ; a gentle breeze waved
his hair, and softly fanned his cheek ; all nature awakening from
the stillness and repose of night concurred to rouse him, and the
power of the liquid which had been administered, being now gone,
could no longer chain down his senses. He opened his eyes, and
being charmed with the ravishing sight before him, imagined him-
self to be enjoying the illusions of some enchanting dream.

But this error did not long last. He arose, and recovered the
use of his senses and his memory. He sought to discover where he
was, but all around remained silent. He lifted up his eyes, and
saw only deserts extending in the distant prospect before him.
He called for his companions, his arms, and his steed; but all
were gone. " Oh ! treason, r; cried he, " thy knights are base and
faithless; they dread toil and death; to excape from danger they
have not feared to expose themselves to infamy ; mourn, hapless
Arabia !

" Hapless Arabia ! thy glory is no more ! Tear'thy hairs; cast
dust upon thine head; bathe thy face with tears: cry, groan, howl,
lament : let the tigers and panthers hear with terror ! thou hast
given birth to base and disloyal men ! Ah ! who on earth can be
loyal, since an Arabian knight ceases to be so 1 Men ! you shall be
forever abhorred ; the great prophet has despised his own nation.
Ye fertile lands of our country, the seed shall wither or change
its nature in your bosom ; henceforth shall ye bear only wild
fruits. Ye happy flocks in our vales, your udders shall become
dry!

"Active and industrious people! who bear rich abundance, even
through the parched plains of Hesebon and Philarioth ; who said
to the desert, thou shalt be desert no more ; see the flags of your
tents stream through the air ; enjoy your success ! And you, who
were once a happy people, descend from those strong places,
where are all your possessions, disarm yourselves of those bucklers
and lances, which vainly load your arms: prepare for fij;lit or
slavery ; the darts you throw, the arrows shot from your bows arc
become useless reeds, now, since the honor of Arabia is no more !
Hold out your hands to receive the conqueror's fetters ; vvliero
virtue resides not, liberty can no longer subsist.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 369

" Insult uo more the effeminate son of Egypt, or the Syrian, tdio,
in pursuit of riches, commits himself to the inconstancy of the
billows. Remember you have none now to defend you.

" 0, Salamis ! 0, niy father ! when you shall demand back from
those base cowards the treasure with which you entrusted them
when your awful voice shall say, where is my son ? ah ! how will
their souls be filled with terror ! The bowels of the earth shall
yawn when it is too late, and swallow them up. Ye coward souls,
return not to Arabia. Afflict not by your hateful presence, those
whom you have dishonored. You feared toil, famine, and death,
if you should follow me ; but may toils and famine pursue you
from desert to desert !

"Thou star which didst preside over the birth of Ilabib, and
hast called him to a high destiny through thickest dangers, cast
an eye now upon him. He despises the present danger, and
inarches on to encounter others. May thine influence thus enable
him to brave all dangers, and sustain him in his career.

" Strength of the Mussulmans ! fall at his feet ! ;; With these
words, Habib fell on his knees beside the spring, performed his
ablution, and prayed to God and the great prophet, with more
fervor, no doubt, but with equal calmness as if he had been in his
father's tent.

He looked toward the polar star, which was henceforward his
guide, and perceived a steep and lofty mountain, which he de-
termined to ascend. He saw beside him his mantle and buckler.
" Dear gifts of Heaven ! j; cried he, "you have been torn out of the
hands of treachery, you shall be my defence !' ; he next found his
poniard in his girdle : " Fear not, Dorathil-goase," said he, " your
knight is not disarmed; enough is left him wherewith to avenge
you on your enemies."

Before setting out, he provided himself with some wild plants,
of which II Haboul had taught him the use, and of which the
roots were to serve him for food. He then proceeded on his journey
with less anxiety than when he had twenty men accompanying him
with reluctance. His bare head bore without inconvenience, all
the torrid heat of the sun. Being no less agile than vigorous, he
proceeded with great speed ; he stopped only to pray occasionally ;
and from time to time refreshed himself by chewing the roots
which he had gathered.

Before night he reached the mountain which he had seen before

370

him in the morning. He there saw a deep gully full of water
but so deep that it could not be reached without great trouble.
A tree hung over this cavern, which had been hollowed out by the
force of torrents from the mountains. He cut the roots of another
tree with his poniard, joined this to the former, and by means of
the two, glided softly down to the bottom of the gully, and there
quenched his burning thirst. Yet, so much was he affected by this
unlooked-for favor from Heaven, that he would not satisfy his
necessity till he had first performed his ablution, and thanked the
Author of nature, and Mohammed his prophet. After this, he
drank and came up out of the cavity.

He was obliged to pass the night here, and to keep on his
guard against wild animals. At the distance of a few paces, he
perceived a rock hollowed out by the waters. He soon gathered
a number of large stones, and formed a sort of cavern, in which
he could sleep safely. He then spread his mantle, laid his buckler
under his head, and fell asleep, yet not without first reflecting on
his situation.

" The brave man," said he to himself, " finds everywhere a tent;
whereas the coward knows not where to lay his head.

" Happy he who learns in camps to sleep while the trumpet
sounds! even thunder will not disturb his rest.

* l II Haboul and my father taught me to become a man ; and here
I am, the man formed by my father and II Haboul.

" Salamis ! II Haboul ! Dorathil-goase ! behold your eon, your
pupil, your lover. He rests in peace upon a rock, confident that
he shall awake to glory.

" Ye stars, inimical to our happiness ! you oppose the decrees
of Heaven, and shall one day be driven from it ; I brave you under
the vast mass which shelters me ; a pavilion framed by the hands
of men, would leave me exposed to your malignity.''

Habib having uttered these sentiments, fell asleep The savage
inhabitants of the forest discovering the tracks of the traveller's
footsteps, came to prowl around the cavern. They uttered dreadful
yel>s, and contended for their prey, before they reached him.
Love might have held the lover of Dorathil-goase awake, but fear
could not disturb him. He was in need of repose ; and sleep,
notwithstanding the frightful noise of lions and tigers, kindly
etrewed her poppies over him.

At length the sun arose, and his rays penetrated through the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 371

chinks of the cavern in which young llabib lay. lie awoke / camo
out, went down again to the water, washed himself, prayed, and
then refreshing himself with the few roots he had in reserve, re-
sumed his mantle and buckler, and went on his way.

Hardly had he reached the summit of one mountain, when an-
other still more inaccessible, rose before him. No road nor path
by which it was possible to climb up, appeared. He might, in-
deed, ascend, by leaping and scrambling from rock to rock. In the
plain he had to travel over a heavy and scorching sand ; not a tuft
of grass was to be seen even on those spots which were best
sheltered from the sun ; not a drop of water ; nature had dried all
up. and seemed to be leading the traveller on the way to the world
below.

Habib, worn out with fatigue, with thirst, and hunger, now found
all his provision of roots exhausted. He quickened his pace, that
he might reach the mountain before him ere it were night. He at
length gained it, but found no spring nor gully. He hastily reared
a hut of loose stones, within which he shut himself up, over-
powered by fatigue, and tortured with hunger. IIoAvever, he tried
the only means which remained by which he might cool his tongue
and palate. Having observed the dews fall in great abundance in
the countries through which he was travelling, he spread his hand-
kerchief on a rock without the cavern, intending to squeeze the
dew from it, when it should have imbibed enough.

After taking this precaution, which saved him from a greater
evil, he performed the duties of a pious Mussulman, and lay down
to rest. But he could not fall asleep without communing with
himself.

" Speak,-'' said he ; *' Habib, answer ! When thou wast destined
to pursue glory through the midst of dangers, did fate at the same
time decree that thou shouldst find means of support by the way ?

'* Thou art in a desert. Ask Mohammed why he has not ordered
Moses to rain honey and manna upon thee, as they were rained
upon the children of Abraham ?

" Born to fight, thou dost fijrht! Be firm, Habib. Heaven is for
thce : but thou must also act for thyself.

<: The applause of Salamis, of II Haboul, of Amirala, of Heaven
itself, the heart and hand of Dorathil-goase, the throne of the seven
seas these are the prizes reserved for thy valor. Pass firmly
through the fire ; Ihou marchesfc on to glory."

372 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Habib thus recovering patience and courage, slept in peace. lie
awaked with the dawn of morn and went out to take up his hand-
kerchief. Providence ! goodness ! The linen which he
wrung into the hollow of a stone furnished him with a cup of
blessing, a most delicious beverage, since it w r as seasoned by want.

His heart overflowed with gratitude, and, as he pursued his
journey, he said, "He who gave me the dew, taught me how to
avail myself of it. Blessed be the author of the universe ! Ye
pointed rocks, calcined by the sun at your Creator's word, you
once poured forth gushing springs ! Thirst and hunger flee before
the Lord of Nature. The stores of abundance are opened at his
pleasure."

The traveller, proceeding on his way, found between two rocka,
a tiger's den. The female was there with her young. At the sight
of the hero, her eyes glared with keener fires; her hair stood on
end ; she lashed the air with her tail, and the rocks re-echoed her
roar. She sprang upon our hero ; he opposed her with his buckler,
and drawing his poniard, plunged it with a firm and vigorous hand
into the animal's heart. The tigress fell ; and the hero, to avail him-
self of the adventure to the best advantage, made a mantle of her
skin, cut aw r ay such parts of her body as he could use for food, and
thanked Heaven and Mohammed for his victory.

It was late, and he, therefore, needed to think of a retreat for the
night ; the tiger's den afforded him one ready prepared. He killed
the young tigers, arranged things in the most commodious manner
within, and shut up the mouth with a large stone, upon which he
laid out his handkerchief to receive the dew. He then lay down
upon the skin of the tigress.

After the dew of the evening was fallen, he took in hishandker
chief and squeezed its contents into the skull of the tigress. Some '
bits of her flesh dried in the sun afforded him a few delicious mor-
sels. Having thus satisfied his wants, he lay down to rest from
his fatigue, and having elevated his soul with the most sublime
ideas, fell asleep.

u The blessings of the Almighty," said he, lt are diffused through
all nature. When she holds them back, the industrious man can
force them from her.

" Thanks to thee, Mohammed ! thou hast looked with favor
on young Habib, deserted by his friends and countrymen ! Thou
hast given him for a companion one of thy subject spirits.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 373

" Everything is easy to me. The enemy which rose up before
me, fell by a single blow ; her skin serves me for a garment ; her
flesh feeds me, and I drink out of her skull.

li Tremble, ye audacious enemies of Dorathil-goase \ the knight
has been victorious, even unarmed. He marches on under the pro-
tection of the prophet to win the arms of Solomon."

Habib, invigorated with new strength and courage, anticipated
the dawn of day, and proceeded on his journey with greater activ-
ity than ever. But he saw not yet the term of his toils; new ob-
stacles and dangers seemed still to rise before him. Precipitous hills
appeared in endless succession : and from their summits naught was
to be seen but wide-spread deserts. In those pathless ways which
man had never trod, where no living creature was to be seen but
wild beasts which fled before him, or met his poniard; and mon-
strous serpents, which he was obliged to crush with broken rocks,
courage was unnerved by uncertainty, and the natural vigor of the
hero began to diminish.

Upon the declivity of one of the highest hills he had yet crossed,
when he had no food remaining but a few roots, he looked before
him, and saw a sandy plain terminated by the horizon. He could
hope for no relief or refreshment, till he should have crossed that
wide desert. To an ordinary man this would have been matter for
despair ; but Habib thought only how he might best overcome the
new difficulties to which he here saw himself exposed.

He could not travel over this plain by day without being scorch-
ed by the reflection of the sun's rays, and losing the use of his feet
among the burning sands ; nor could he find a drop of water to
quench his thirst. By night, how should he form a place of re-
treat amidst burning sands ? The tigers and panthers which prowl
in the hours of darkness might seize him unawares, and make him
their prey. Habib resolved to rest by day, and by night to pro-
ceed on his journey, under the guidance of the bright northern
Btar.

At the sight of the ocean of sand which opened before him
while the sun was yet in his meridian, he stopped, and by means
of his poniard, disposed his buckler so as to shelter his head
from the sun's rays, and then lay down upon his tiger's skin, and
fell asleep.

The night no sooner spread her curtain, than he arose, and went
on. The handkerchief for receiving the dew was bound about his

374

neck, and floated over his shoulders , thus he could quench his
thirst; but how should he satisfy his hunger ? Only two of the
roots were left, and he knew not when Providence would afford
him another supply. However, he went cheerfully on ; and he
proceeded with wonder at the spectacle which the heavens dis-
played to his eyes.

<; The splendid vault of heaven," said he, l( surrounds all nature,
and covers even the naked desert. Is there a single spot on earth
where man will not find himself forced to admire the wonders of
liis Creator's power ? Should I go down into the bowels of the
earth, there would I find gold and rubies, and rivers still more
precious. The moon rises in the horizon, to supply the place of
the absent sun. The stars, dispensers of the dew, have already ad-
vanced before her. You shall be refreshed, ye barren sands. But
ihe sun, when he darts his rays on you, cannot move you. Noth-
ing can ever fertilize your barren nature. The ungrateful heart
is like the sand of the desert. The favors of Heaven are showered
upon it without making any impression which may show them to
have been there.

'Courage, Ilabib ! thou shalt never despise what has been done
for thee. Behold that emotion in the sky. There, at this very
instant, is thy destiny weighed. Away then with fear! put a
steady and vigorous foot on the balance ; thou shalt thus Aveigh it
down to thy side. See how calm the upper region ! There are
thy judges : Mohammed and his seven prophets are soliciting for
thee!

" Great Prophet, friend of God ! a Mussulman cries to thee in
the desert ; hear, hear his voice !

" The object he pursues is worthy of a hero. Thou was!; on
earth a model for heroes. Glory and love inflame his heart !
Thou disdainest none who bear the stamp of virtue."

Thus Ilabib, as he travelled, forgot his Avants and fatigues. As
he looked toward the desert he thought he discerned a small black
spot. l( At last," said he, " this plain has limits ; what I see is no
doubt a mountain, or a collection of vapors over .some tract of inhab-
itable country. Thou shalt see men, llaMb. The passions, indeed,
arm us against one another ; but man always rejoices at the sight
of his fellow. These have, perhaps, never seen the child of Prov-
idence ; I shall show him to them, and force them to believe in
Providence, I \vill not say I must have gold, silver, flocks, tents,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 37.J

or slaves : I will only ask a pitcher of water, a handful of rice,
and the road to Caucasus !"

Ilabib in vain made prodigious efforts to reach the black spot.
It still appeared at the same distance. He was tortured to agony
by hunger and thirst, and scorched by the burning heat, lie stop-
ped at length, and lay down. His imagination, filled with ideal
Lopes, soon soothed him into sleep. The coolness of the evening
awaked him. He had been tossed and agitated with painful dreams.
A rivulet seemed to run backward to its source, to refuse him
drink ; abundance of sumptuous meats were set before him, but
before he could taste them they were removed by invisible hands.
He arose, greatly fatigued, and hoped that, after continuing his
journey through the night, by morning to have reached the object
toward which his eyes were constantly directed. He exerted all
his strength, and used every means to withstand the fatigue which
exhausted him. Strong in his own courage solely, he yet triumph-
ed, and rose superior to himself.

Day at length returned but still the black spot appeared at
the same distance us before. Habib's feet were uncovered, and
the torrid sand scorched them ; one cloud of dust was still blown
upon him after another, and his strength was entirely exhausted ;
everything seemed to fail him, and he became almost hopeless.
He spread the tiger's skin upon the sand, fell down with his knees
upon it, and raising his hands, thus addressed his ardent prayer to
Heaven, calling out in a voice of grief mixed with confidence:

" I am lost in an ocean of sand, the limits of which I cannot
perceive. The earth flees before me like a cloud. I have called
on the burning sand to afford me water for ablution ; it obeyed
and I am purified. The Creator will bring the earth to meet me
and supply my wants.

" See, my feet refuse to bear me, my legs stagger, my knees
bend ; yet I will crawl, even on my belly, to the place whither I
am called by the decrees of fate. But what wilt thou say, great
Prophet, to see a child of thy tribe crawl like a worm ? ;;

While he thus spoke, and his eyes were still fixed on the object
toward which he seemed to be vainly travelling, he observed a
point parting from it, and moving toward him through the air ; it
sailed for some time through the firmament, after which it came
down. It proved to be a bird of monstrous size. It was a roc
It alighted within fifty paces of him, and there rested for some
time, motionless.

37 G ARABIAN NIGHTS'

HaLib arose and advanced toward the bird. As soon is he was
near enough to be heard : "Bird, ;; said he, " thou art a creature
of the Lord ; and I respect thee as a production of his power. It
thou art sent to the assistance of an unfortunate but faithful Mus-
sulman, abandoned by his brethren, I command thee, in the name
of God and his prophet, to give some sign by which I may know
that thou art sent by them.' ;

The roc immediately extended its wings, clapped them three
times, and bowed its head to Habib. The young sultan went close
up to it, and perceived a damask cushion suspended between its
feet by silken cords ; he caught hold of the cords, and seated him-
self upon the cushion. No sooner was he thus placed, than the
bird arose and flew aloft into the air.

u The earth which seemed to flee before me, now recedes under
my feet," said Habib, as he was carried upward among the clouds.
" Ye frightful piles of sand, ye are no more than a grain of dust
to my eyes ! Present famine and death to the monsters and veno-
mous reptiles which inhabit jou you can do nothing against the
slave of God, the servant of the great prophet ; a path is opened
to him through the air. Thou bird, who art the messenger of the
Most High, obey the orders of a faithful Mussulman. Bear him
to Mount Caucasus, where the arms of the sage and powerful
Solomon are deposited.

The obedient roc bore young Habib to the mountain which was
the destined term of his journey. His senses were confounded by
the rapidity of its flight, which increased his weakness. II Ha-
boul received him, and bore him to a place where an agreeable
warmth soon revived him.

When with the return of his strength he recovered sense, his
lips opened with expressions of gratitude. " What ! is it you, my
dear II Haboul ; you have not forsaken me, then ! ;;

" The orders of my superiors, valiant sultan, have brought
you hither/' 7 replied the genie. " A bird of the great Solomon's
has borne you from the desert ; I am appointed to receive you ;
you will easily judge how pleasant I find the task. I am not un-
acquainted with the treachery to which you have been exposed,
or the distress which you have suffered in the desert, or the af-
flictions of Salnmis, your father. I am the keeper of the treas-
ures of Solomon which are deposited in the bowels of the earth,
and without his orders dare not remove; otherwise, I would ha-e

ENTERTAINMENTS. 377

come to your assistance. It is the will of Heaven that virtue be
proved by trials ; and you have undergone a very severe trial.
The sufferings of Ernir Salamis and Amirala are not less than
yours. Crowns of glory await you; but they must be taken by
violence. Such is ihe lot of all who are highly favored among the
sons of men. ;;

While he spoke thus, a collation was set upon the table consist-
ing of such meats as were not too heavy or cloying to a stomach
of which the powers were worn out by long abstinence.

Habib proceeded to refresh himself; but was surprised at the
same time to find such plenty, even of delicacies, amidst the most
dreary desert in nature.

u This is the abode of enchantment," said II Haboul. " No re-
source can be wanting to the great Solomon. To his wisdom all
nature is subject. Before he went to take his place beside our
great prophet, he buried his treasures here, to hide them from the
daring avarice of men, who seldom find enjoyment expect in the
abuse of what Providence bestows. Here are the arms deposited
with which he combated rebellious men and spirits. Illabousa-
trous, grandfather to Dorathil-goase, I, and the genii of the race
of Eblis, felt our inferiority ere it was too late, and submitted
without resistance. Others were less wise than we, and are shut
up in dungeons not far distant. The formidable Abarikaff,
with whom you are to contend, with a number of others, have
made their escape by flight, by fraud, and even by force.

"Hitherto, my dear Habib, you have shown unshrinking firm-
ness, and displayed your strength and courage in combating wild
beasts. Want and difficulties have not slakened your valor. The
eye that watches over you has assisted you when you could do
nothing for yourself. When the roc alighted before you, you had
yet five icy mountains to pass, before you could have reached the
summit of Caucasus, which you had seen at two hundred leagues
distance. But the dangers which now await you, are of a differ-
ent sort. It is not by the exertion of strength they are to be op-
posed ; but by calm fortitude ; by courage, which no terrors can
move. Thus shall you penetrate into the treasury of the great
Solomon, and bring out the arms which no power can resist. As
soon as your body shall be reinvigorated Ly rest, I will speak to
you concerning the tasks you have to fulfil, and the means to be
employed."

378 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

After this, II Haboul made his pupil enter his cavern, aii 1 then
furnished him with conveniences for rest after his fatigues. Ex-
hausted as llabib was, more than one day was necessary to restore
his health, and fit him for the enterprise in which he was about to
engage. Had it not been for the authority which the genie had
assumed over him, from his infancy, it might have been difficult
to restrain so passionate a lover. But the sage II Haboul could
avail himself of a power which long habit had confirmed and he
accordingly prevailed with his pupil to expose himself to no new
trials, till he should have fully recovered his strength. In the
meantime, he informed him what was to be done in order that he
might accomplish the purpose of his journey to Mount Caucasus.

" My dear Habib," said he, lt you are called by destiny to be the
avenger of Dorathil-goase, and to punish the rebellion of the bar-
barous Abarikaff. The dominions of that princess lie at a vast
distance. Deserts as immense as those you have traversed ; divide
you from the seas which surround the seven islands; and if you
should think of going by sea, the road to the shore is neither short
nor open. The only way is through the centre of the earth. But
what care and prudence are requisite, that you may travel success-
fully by this line ! What energy of mind must you possess, my
dear sultan, if you can undertake so dangerous a journey ! If
forty brazen gates, guarded by malevolent genii endowed with ex-
traordinary strength and courage, shall stop you ; if confusion and
forgetfulness surprise you but for a moment, you will be exposed
to the greatest of all misfortunes !

il You must pass through all the rooms in which Solomon's treas-
ures are deposited. The first of these contains the most precious
of all, those very arms with which he attained that high degree of
power which astonished the world. This part is the least strictly
guarded, and the most open to the researches of men. Happy
would they be if they could content themselves with penetrating
thus far, and acquiring those arms, without desiring to advance
farther.

11 Solomon surpassed all the men on the earth in knowledge. He
fixed its principles and illustrations by three hundred and sixty-six
hieroglyphics, each of which required a day's application from even
the ablest understanding, before its mysterious sense could be un-
derstood. Would you take time to penetrate into these mysteries ?"
"I love Dorathil-goase,' 7 said llabib ; "she is in danger; I ruust

ENTERTAINMENTS. 379

ha\e the arms to fight with Abarikaff ; I shall endeavor to acquire
this knowledge after I have conquered him." " It is possible to
be less inexcusable for such a failure in you ; but since Solomon
left the earth, five hundred knights have penetrated into these
deserts ; all have neglected the studies which I propose to you,
and gone in search of the treasures deposited in the cavities of
this immense subterraneous recess. They would, first of all,
gratify their passions, and not one of them has returned ; they have
all failed through ignorance. Let us, however, strive to save you
from the same disgrace.

u I will conduct you to the first gate ] at your feet you will see
a golden key ; pick it up, and open the gate; the bolt of the lock-
you may move by the slightest effort. Be careful to shut the gate
behind you, so gently that it may not make the least noise.

" In the first hall you will find a black slave of a gigantic size.
Forty keys of the other apartments through which you are to pass,
are suspended by a chain of diamonds, which hangs from his left
hand. At sight of you he will utter a tremendous yell, which
will shake the vaults of the subterranean rooms, and will at the
same time raise over your head an enormous scimetar. Preserve
your soul unmoved with fear look upon his sabre ; you know I
have taught you to read the talismanic characters. Pronounce
aloud the words written upon the blade ; commit them to memory,
so that whatever trials and dangers you may be exposed to, they
may never be effaced. Your safoty depends upon them.

a The slave will then become subject to you. You must disarm
him, and take from him the keys, and the scimetar of the great
Solomon ; but you will look in vain for the talisman ; it will dis-
appear at the moment you pronounce the words of which it con-
sists. You will then open the first of the forty doors, and shut it
behind you, with the same precautions as before. There you will
see the arms of Solomon ; but touch not his casque, his cuirass,
nor his buckler. You have his scimetar, and it is not with steel
you are to arm yourself. Solomon was victorious through courage,
vigor, patience, and prudence. Four statues, engraved with hier-
oglyphics, will exhibit before you representations of these four
virtues. Reflect long upon those emblems, and learn to decipher
their meaning. These are arms which can never be taken from
you. Examine carefully the arms of the prophet, as well as the
sciinetar of the slave. The knowledge you" may acquire frorc them

380 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

f

will enable you to vanquish all enemies that may rise up against
you ; but without this, and without retaining in your memory the
characters engraven on the sabre, remember that you have in your
hands nothing but a piece of steel, which rust and the teeth or
time will consume away.

" When you have stayed in tho first apartment as long as you
think proper, you may then with a bound advance over the space
which leads to the second hall. Open and shut this door with the
same care as before. The sabre which you wear, and the words
which you pronounce, will make you master of the slaves which
guard the door, whoever they are. I shall not enter into a par-
ticular detail of the immense riches which you will find here. In
the eyes of Solomon, gold and jewels were things of small price,
although he employed them in constructing works, the memory of
which shall last forever ; yet he restored them with pleasure to
the bowels of the earth, from which his knowledge had enabled
him to extract them. He thought them not necessary to the hap-
piness of men.

11 If, in passing through these forty halls, you meet with any one
object whose nature you cannot comprehend, rub the blade of your
sciinetar. repeat the words, which you must have taken care to re-
member, and who will thus discover the sense of the enigmas pre-
sented to you.

" I have no need, virtuous sultan, to warn you against avarice,
or indiscretion, the first causes of the loss of those knights who
tried this perilous adventure before you. You have learned in the
tents of Emir Salamis, in what true riches and real power consist.
Gold gave no lustre to his pavilions, nor was ho forced first to
gather and then to scatter it. A formidable army marched when
he gave the signal. A wise choice of things useful, and contempt
of superfluities, constituted his abundance.

" Curiosity is also a fault against which you must be on your
guard. Remember that, whatever can move curiosity, in the path
01. which you are entering, must be extremely dangerous to the
man who is unacquainted with the three hundred and sixty-six
truths, the only principles of the wisdom of Solomon.

''Above all, when you have opened the fortieth door, within
which your subterraneous journey terminates, beware of looking
curiously at what you shall see. A veil of silk, and golden char-
acters in relief, shall meet your eyes. Turn from them. If you

ENTEltTAINMENTS. 381

read, it is your death-warrant, and will be instantly executed but
lift up the curtain, and you will be struck with the most beautiful
Bight that can be beheld, if you have wisely observed all the rules
of prudence which I have taught you.. You will see the first of
the seven seas, which you must pass before you can join Dorathil-
goase, and you will find everything ready to conduct you thither.
But if you fail in a single point of the instructions wh ch I have
given you, you will be exposed to the most dreadful dangers/

" It is, perhaps, unfortunate for me," replied Habib, "that I am a
stranger to fear, and if it be so, I may blame you, and Salamis, and
Amirala. You taught me to arm my breast against every senti-
ment of terror, and, perhaps, to depend with too much confidence
on my own strength. But I shall strive to practise the lessons
which you taught me."

tl March on, then, valiant hero, under the eyes of the great
Solomon. May his spirit accompany you. I form the warmest
wishes for your success, and in it shall I find the recompense for
the pains which I took in your education."

II Haboul deposited in his cavern the skin of the tigress, the
buckler, and the poniard, which the sultan bore. lie dressed him
in a light and simple garb, the most suitable for the enterprise in
which he was engaging. The genie then took him by the hand,
and led him through a winding alley of the cavern to the first
brazen door of which they perceived the key.

" Take this key," said his governor. " Forget not when you shall
Bee the sabre of the first slave raised over your head, to pronounce
aloud the talismanic characters inscribed upon its blade. Read
them with such care that you may never forget them. Repeat
them upon every appearance of danger, as well within as with-
out the immense cavern you are going to traverse. Open and shut
the doors with the greatest caution ; remember that in this recess
all is symbolical, and that your actions must correspond. You
will not forget my other advices but I have insisted more par-
ticularly upon the most important. Embrace me, my dear Ha-
bib ! I return whither duty calls me." II Haboul then retired.
Habib opened and shut the first door softly. He perceived a
gigantic black, who, when he saw him, uttered a cry which re-
Bounded through the vaults of the first grotto. The monster raised
his dreadful scimetar. Habib, watchful, cast his eyes upon the
blade and pronounced alone the word, power, which he saw written

382 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

upon it in letters of gold. The slave was instantly disarmed. Ilvs
scimetar and keys fell together from his hand, and he bowed down
before his conqueror.

The young sultan seized the redoubtable weapon, advanced to
the second door, and it opened to him. Seven different roads ap-
peared, but all were dark. Uncertain which to choose, he pro-
nounced in a loud voice, the enchanted word. A pale and glim-
mering light then became visible at the entrance, upon the fourth
road. He pursued a light down a night of fourteen hundred and
ninety steps.

He came then to the third door, still continuing to conduct him-
self with the same prudence. He was received by two monsters,
who were half-women, who brandished two enormous grappling
hooks of iron, to seize him. He pronounced the word power ;
the iron became soft, and the monsters fled.

Habib was struck with a ravishing sight. A lustre of carbun-
cles illuminated a round hall, the roof of which was supported by
columns of jasper. The armor of the great Solomon appeared as
a trophy in the centre ; the phoenix expanding all her feathers,
crowned the casque. The glance of the cuirass and the buckler
was brighter than the eyes of man could bear; the steel-pointed
lance sparkled like fire. There was no scimetar ; but Habib with
pleasure observed that the scimetar he held in his hand corre-
sponded to the other pieces of the armor. Mysterious characters
were engraven upon all those weapons ; of these he tried to dis-
cover the sense, and read on the cuirass : " Firmness of soul is the
best cuirass man can put on."

He proceeded, and found on the other parts of the armor, <k Pa-
tience is his buckler. His tongue is his strongest lance. Wisdom
must be his casque. Prudence his vizor. Without valor his arma
are defenceless. Without constancy his legs are infirm."

:t great Solomon !" cried the hero, u the phoenix still proudly
expands its feathers on the crest of your helmet.

" Cover yourselves with coats-of-mail, ye" feeble warriors of the
earth ! The prophet of the Almighty marched on to victory
through the aid of virtue."

Ilabib next contemplated the three hundred and sixty-six
hieroglyphics which ornamented the walls of the saloon. One of
these was singularly simple in its nature, yet he could not com-
prehend its meaning. Another more complicated immediately dis-

ENTER TA INMKNTS. 383

covered its mysterious import. The three hundred and sixty-six
hieroglyphics explained themselves ; yet can only be explained one
by one.

u Science," said he, " thou wast made for my heart ; I feel it ; but
my understanding is far from thee. Who' shall give me the eyes
of the lynx to penetrate thy mysteries ? The lustre with which
thou shinest in niy eyes forces me to turn them downward.

" Habib ! march on to thy destiny ; a crown of glory is promised
thee. Wisdom descends from the Heaven of Heavens ; desire it
still more and more, and proceed on thy career under the propi-
tious influence of thy star ! ;;

As he spoke thus, he advanced toward the door by which he was
to be admitted into the apartments where Solomon's riches were
deposited. Descending by new nights of steps, and by winding
paths, he came to the different doors, which he successively opened
and shut without noise. Wherever he advanced he met with mon-
sters that strove to terrify him, by displaying their deformity, and
by their cries and menaces. Of one the head resembled a human
skull, armed with horns, and terminating before in an eagle's bill.
In another the three forms of a lion., a tiger, and an elephant, were
monstrously blended together. A hydra having three women's
heads, with twisted serpents for hair, presented itself among the
rest, to terrify our hero.

But Habib, armed with undaunted courage, and faithful to the
counsels of the genie, awed with a word these threatening phan-
toms, and looked with indifference upon the heaps of gold and-
diamonds, and the broken idols which lay before him. He passed
rapidly from one door to another, where the objects which he saw
exhibited no sign symbolical of the prophet's victories. He stopped,
however, at one place.

It was an immense hall, around which an infinite number of
beings in the human form w r ere seated. They appeared to be
listening to the most venerable person in the company, who was
seated upon an elevated scat, before a reading-desk, and read aloud.
When Habib entered, the whole assembly arose, and bowed to the
hero. The reader paused out of respect to him, and the sultan,
addressing himself to that venerable person, spoke as follows :

"If you are at liberty to inform me, 'tell me who you are, and
what it is you are reading ?" " I am a genie, slave to Solomon,"
said the reader; ' my task is to instruct my brethren, whom you

3S4 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

see here ; they will be set at liberty when they shall have acquired
all the knowledge necessary for the direction of their conduct.
The book I read is the Alcoran. Alas ! I have explained it to
them for these several centuries, and yet there are still an eighth
part of my hearers who understand not even the first line ! Pro-
ceed, young mussulrnan ; you have nothing to learn either from
them or me ; follow your destiny, and continue to be as circumspect
as you have been."

Habib left this school, reflecting with himself how difficult it is
to understand the word of God when we are not disposed to listen
to it. He blessed God and his Prophet that he had been instructed
in his earliest years in the truths of the Alcoran.

The young sultan had now opened and shut nine-and-thirty doors.
He had been five days in passing those subterranean recesses ;
places where the sun comes not to indicate the lapse of time ;
where ages after ages roll on unperceived ; places inhabited by
those beneficent spirits who are ever actively employed in promo-
ting the happiness of the faithful, and are not subject to the ma-
lignant power of their neighbors.

Habib passed not into the dungeons where the wicked genii
lived, under a law in its nature and tendency directly opposite.
Over them the scythe of time moves with a motion which cannot be
calculated. All the vices of the world spring up and thrive in
their perverse souls ; and they are subjected to the tyranny of
every lawless appetite and passion.

Our hero had not counted the number of the doors through
which he had passed. Still as a new one obstructed his progress,
its key sprung from the bunch in his hand, and spontaneously
placed itself in the lock. At last he stood before the fortieth
door. It opened, and he perceived the fatal silken curtain of
which the genie had spoken. He hastily drew aside the curtain,
and saw the sea upon which he was to embark, in order to reach
the end of all his toils. lie sprang hastily forward, but at the
same instant the fortieth gate, which he had forgotten to shut, fell
back upon its hinges with a dreadful noise, at which Caucasus
trembled to its foundation.

All the doors through which he had passed, and all those of the
dungeons in the bowels of the earth, were overturned and broken,
with a noise which seemed to shake the arch of Heaven. Legions
of spirits, in the most hideous forms, issued forth and attacked

ENTERTAINMENTS. 385

Ilabib. The most frightful signs, the most terrifying alarms, uc-
oompanied their threats and gestures.

Habib turned to oppose them. Had he been susceptible of
fear he must have been terrified. But the extraordinary nature
of the danger rendered him firm and cool. He recollected the
formidable word, and, displaying at the same time the sword of
Solomon, pronounced it with a firm voice. The affrighted crowd
instantly retired with precipitation ; the door which opened to tlio
sea was violently shut, but all the malevolent genii did not return
into their dark abodes.

Part of them plunged into the sea. Its waters were raised with
fury from the deep abyss ; the billows rose mountain high in the
air ; vast masses of vapor were spread through the sky. The day
disappeared, the sun was darkened ; thunders began to roar ;
the accumulating clouds struggled against the raging winds, and
the billows of the sea dashing against one another, exhibited a
black and liquid surface, which the flashes of lightning seemed to
tinge with blood.

The tempest burst from all quarters. The imprisoned winds
and the thunder broke through the passages that were opened to
them. The sea fled before them tc its deep abysses. The dash-
ing of the waves, and the blustering of the winds, shook the very
foundation of the rocks ; while the blaze of the lightning, and the
doubling peals of the thunder, seemed to threaten this part of
the globe with the return of the primitive confusion of chaos.

This tumult and confusion of the elements was not wholly natu-
ral. II Haboul, the guardian of the prophet's armor aiid treasure,
had, at the moment that the rebel genii made their escape, left his
usual post at the head of the genii under his command : and the
earth, the sea, and the air, were become each the theatre of a furious
and desperate combat.

Habib, struck with the disorder which ho beheld around him,
could impute the cause to nothing but his own imprudence. When
he had opened the fatal curtain, both Heaven and earth appeared
with a smiling aspect, and the sea was calm. lie prostrated him-
self with his face to the ground, and cried :

u Where is he who thinks himself wise ? Let him look upon me,
and tremble at his presumption. Where is he who always acts
prudently ? Let him come hither and confound me. My eyes
have had a glimpse of happiness, but it has vanished from my

17

3SG ARABIAN NIGHTS'

view. I had the key of my fate, but it has dropped from my
hands. Dorathil-goase ! your lover loves you with a passion,
which depriv.es him of reason. He is unworthy of you. In my
present situation how shall I invoke to my aid the powers of the
earth ? If I should seek to move Heaven, I hear a voice crying
from the depths of my soul : Give an account of the benefits which
Heaven has bestowed. The Arabians of our tribe have betrayed
me; but can I reproach them when I have betrayed myself?
Salamis, II Haboul, Aimrala, you have sown on an unprofita-
ble soil. How shall you reap the fruit ? I shall weep like the
timid soul. Confusion must cover my eyes when I have laid
aside the bandage of pride. great Prophet ! a criminal dares
not lift up his voice to Heaven. But thou didst vouchsafe thy
favor in a signal manner to Habib when he merited nothing at
thy hand ; but now, when he confesses his faults, look down in
mercy and forgive him."

Habib, having uttered his prayer, arose, and looked around on
the scene where he now found himself. He was on the height
of a ledge of rocks, the foot of which was violently lashed by the
breaking waves of the ocean. The mountain was precipitous and
insulated all around, and seemed in a manner detached from the
rest of the world. He proceeded for a mile, by scrambling and
leaping from rock to rock ; the light of the sun was intercepted
by thick clouds ; the flashes of lightning which broke from these,
gave all surrounding objects a fiery and cupreous glare ; an infec-
tious saline vapor composed the atmosphere in which he breathed.
The day which illuminated these terrifying appearances was
formed to augment the horror of the scene. Habib stood and con-
templated for some time the disorder which the warring elements
presented before him. Then looking on his scimetar he saw the
talismanic characters shine with extraordinary lustre. II Ilaboitl
had formerly taught him that Providence never performed a mir-
acle unless for some very important cause. The new glare of the
talisman, he hence concluded, must be intended to prompt him
who bore it to call its virtues into exertion, in order to still the
raging elements. lie, therefore, dreAv the mysterious blade, and
striking the air thrice, cried, "Powers of fire, of earth, of air, of
the waters ! I command you to return to your wonted order
otherwise I will reduce you to a dull inaction."

That instant a blaze of light was emitted from the scimotnr, be-
fore whieh all other lightning was pale ; a confused noise was

ENTKKTAIN.MENTS. 387

heard like that of hills of saud sinking down one upon another.
The sea grew calm. The tempest ceased. Gentle breezes of the
west wind succeeded to the boisterous blasts from the north ; and
the bright star of day gilded with his rays the stupendous rock on
whose summit the hero stood.

At so astonishing a change upon the face of nature, the sultan
could not avoid feeling a degree of terror with his joy. " What
power/' cried he, " has deigned to employ my weak hands, guilty
as I am, thus to still the rage of nature ? How are the elements
subject to my voice ? Creator of the world ! thou hast not turned
away thy face from me. Great prophet ! Habib is still in thine
eyes a son of the tribe of Beni-Hilac.' 5

As he ceased speaking with his face prostrate to the earth, he
heard a motion near his side, which prompted him to raise his
head; and II Habotil stood before him.

" my protector ! my master ! you, no doubt, are the author
of the miracles which I have witnessed." h No. my dear Habib,"
replied the genie. " they are wrought by the influence of the great
Solomon, whose instrument you have been. You know not what
disorders your negligence and forgetfulness of my counsels have
produced. The mischief you have done could hardly have been
repaired, without your exertions.

lt Instead of shutting the fortieth door after you, you hurried
to the sea-shore. The gates of the dungeons which confined the
rebel spirits, instantly burst open, and the prisoners swarmed forth.
You yourself would have been the first victim of their rage, had
you not employed the talisman to whose name they were once
subject. Terrified at the sight of it, they ascended into the air,
and raised the storm which you have witnessed.

"I followed them at the head of the spirits under my command.
We began a violent combat, the effects of which you also wit-
nessed, without understanding them. You then employed the
only means which remained in your power. Their success was
certain in the hands of a faithful Mussulman. The arms instantly
dropped from the hands of the rebel genii. They were seized with
a sudden stupor, and sunk down like so many lumps of dead earth.
My warriors fettered them, and conveyed them back to their
dungeons. But had it not been for your aid, the contest had not
yet been terminated.

" I will not reproach you for an act of imprudence which sets'

388 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

your success at a distance, and subjects you to unspeakable toils
before you can accomplish it. It is not so much your fault as
love's, and your passion is owing to the influence of your star.

"Recollect the knowledge you acquired when you surveyed
the treasures of the great Solomon. You will find everywhere, and in
yourself, arms to insure the success of the true knight. He knows
that these are more at his command in adversity than in happier
situations.

li The advices I now give you are the last you shall receive
from me. In the career upon which you are entered, success
would be dishonorable, if obtained by trivial means. Only from
Heaven can one receive at all times without shame ; and to Heaven
may one always confidently apply, when one's views are wise and
honorable, and when insolent triumph is not the object sought.
Adieu, dear Habib ; I leave you exposed to wants of all sorts, and
ready to be hurried into n-ew adventures; but I believe your
courage equal to all."

II Haboul left Habib on a rock. The sea had receded, and its
waves no longer lashed the foot of the rock upon which he stood.
He might descend from one rock to another ; but how should he
shelter himself through the night ? Or where find relief from the
cravings of thirst and hunger ? This was the hero's situation when
his guardian genie disappeared.

A soul of less firmness and elevation than his would here have
been abandoned to anxiety and despair. But the scimetar of Solo-
mon still hung by his side, a terror to the enemies of the Most
High. He had no enemies to dread but himself. " My error,"
said he. " had laid me low, but the hand of God raises me up again.
Caucasus, boast of thy stupendous bulk, or of the hardness of the
mass of which ihou art composed; God willed it, and I have pene-
trated through thy bowels. Earth, thou appearest behind me
as a lonely wall; thou seemest to be boundless, and offerest only a
dark abyss of waters to my view. But Hope emerges above thy
waters, and shows herself through the vapors which cover the.' ;

And, indeed, Habib at this time saw land without suspecting so
much ; it was the nearest point of the White Isle, which formed a
part of the dominions of Dorathil-goase. Night, however, came
on ; and to avoid suffering from its cold, he lay down between three
rocks, which served to shelter him from the bleak winds. At day
break, the young Mussulman performed his ablutions and prayers.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 389

He ran over the adjoining land in search of some resources for his
subsistence. The caverns were full of shell-fish, and among them
were some broken remains of roots and herbs brought hither by
the billows. He with these satisfied his present wants, waiting till
destiny should call him to act in a more important scene.

One morning, when Habib leaned on the rock nearest the sea,
and looked out to see if any vessels were approaching, he happened
to fall into a slight slumber, upon which three daughters of the
gea suddenly raised their heads above the water.

" He sleeps, sister,' ; said one of the nymphs to the other two,
il let us approach and strive to learn who he is. You will enjoy a
pleasure in seeing him ; he is as beautiful as the rising day. Yes-
terday, I saw him stooping over the water to wash, his cheeks
communicated a lovely color to the water ; you would have said
that the bottom of the sea was bespread with roses. But that we
may have a better view of him, let us beware of making a noise to
awake him. Give me your hand- and let us turn round till he be
sound asleep."

When the daughters of the sea saw that their enchantments had
taken effect, they came out of the water. On their shoulders they
displayed their fair hair bound up in tresses, waving gracefully in
the breeze. Robes of stuff, formed of sea-plants, and fine as gauze,
hung down from their shoulders, upon their loins; pearled bus-
kins adorned their legs, on their arms were coral bracelets ; their
whole appearance was in the highest degree lovely and captivating.
They all three surveyed their own charms in the water, and being
pleased with their dress and appearance, approached and stood
around the knight. " What a lovely young man !' ; said the eldest
of the three ; " can he be a knight ?" ' He is undoubtedly so,"
said the youngest. " View his sabre, but touch it not ; for I put
my hand to the hilt, and it burnt me.' ;

" Ilzaide," said the eldest to her youngest sister, " we must know
who he is, and whence he comes. He may have been brought here
in a storm. However, nothing about him bespeaks of his having
been shipwrecked. Bring me one of those large shells on the
beach, and fill it with water.' 7

Il/aide obeyed. The shell was brought. The eldest of the
d.-ui-hicrs of the sea then gently pulled one of llabib's hairs.
" Here is a hair, y; said she. "which shall tell us all the secrets of
the head on which it grew."' She then threw it into the water in

390 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

the shell, and walked around the shell with a circular movement.
''Shake the water well," said she to her sisters, "it will become
turbid, and so much the better shall I see." " Look there, sister,"
said Ilzaide, "I believe the hair is melted. The water is now
covered like the firmament ; the star appears in it, and the bottom
of the shell is no more to be seen." " So much the better," re-
turned the eldest : " after night, comes the day. See, here is a
country covered with wood, under the shade of which are flocks
feeding. Stoop down, and you will see the whole scene. There
are tents ; he was born in Arabia."

" In Arabia, sisters ?" said that one of the three who had not yet
spoken. * Thence does our queen, Dorathil-goase, expect her de-
liverer. Happy should we be to have the hero here. Soon would
he deliver us from Racachik, and all his race ; but the water says
nothing of him. Shake it again, that we may know whence he has
come."

" Ah ! sister," said Ilzaide, "it becomes black, black !" " Good, 7 '
returned*the eldest, "the truth will come out so much the clearer.
Shake it with a brisker motion." ' Sister," said the second, " see.
it grows white. Oh ! what a sad sight it exhibits." u These are
mountains, sands, and desQrts," added the eldest. " He has trav-
elled over all these alone, for he appears by himself, and without
any companion. He must be strong and valiant, then. Shake,
shake the water again, for the way I see him take could not bring
him hither. Oh ! heavens," cried she, " I see the bowels of the
earth. Enough, my sisters. This water cannot tell us the secrets
of his heart, but I know more natural means by which we may
come to the knowledge of them. It is a matter of the greatest
concern to us, you know, to be acquainted with them. We are in-
formed that we are to be delivered from our evils, and from our
tyrants, by a man who is a perfect lover, and yet not in love with
any of us." ' Certainly, a knight, be he who he may," replied
Ilzaide, smartly, " cannot be our lover without having ever seen
us." a But v/hen he opens his eyes,'' replied the eldest. " he can-
not but see us. Take you care, sister, not to meet his eyes with yours.
There is a magic in them of greater power than what we have in
GUIS, and were he to fall in love with you, we should be undone,
and our hopes disappointed." " He will fall in love with you, sis-
ter, rather than with me," replied Ilzaide. " May Solomon keep
him from falling in love with any of us," added the eldest; "yet

ENTERTAINMENTS. 331

there seems to be a great danger of it. However, as we must gain
his good graces that we may have a right to his services, lot us
think what we may do for this purpose.

" In the first place, I see that he is in want of every convenience.
He has found nothing for sustenance but some marine plants and
shell-fish, which he has eaten raw. Let us prepare for him against,
he awakes such a repast as these places can afford. You, Ilzaide,
are nimbler than the mountain goat; go, bring some of its milk in
a shell, which you may cover, above and below, with aromatic
herbs. In the cavities of the mountain you will find fruits and
flowers. Choose what appears the most to the sight, taste, and
smell. My sister and I will take care for the rest, and we shall
thus offer as handsome a collation as can be prepared in this desert
place. J;

Hardly had Ilzaide gone to perform her task, when the eldest
sister explained her intention to the second. " I know of branches
of coral," said she, " at the bottom of the sea, two of which would
load a camel. Let us go find some of them. We will place four of
them in a square, cover it with stuff like what we wear, thus
form a pavilion ; then gather moss and dry it for a sofa ; form a
table of stones, and cover it with a tissue which has never been dyed.
We will then provide some of the best fish the sea affords; dry
and roast them in the sun. The bird's eggs which I shall bring and
the fruits and milk with which our sister will furnish us, will com-
plete the feast. When a genie is out of his element, his power is
limited. Here, industry must supply the defect of power. Order
and taste must make amends for the want of variety. Necessity
will confer a value upon anything. Gratitude will ascribe even to
the slightest favor the highest consequence."

Ilzaide returned. The pavilion was set up and ornamented. The
table was covered. All that now remained was to suspend the
magic influence by which Habib's sleep was prolonged. But it
was requisite that he should awake on the sofa, before w r hich the
lable stood, and that the three sisters should be seated opposite to
him.

" Let us now see, sisters." said the eldest, "whether this be the
Arabian knight who is the lover of Dorathil-goase. I will try an
expedient to know, the success of which cannot fail. Raise up your
hands, and move them while I speak : ' By the great prophet Sol-
omon, ki ight, I awaken you in the name of Dorathil-gua^e.' "

392 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

'' Dorathil goase !" cried Habib, awaking and springing up. He
then looked about him, and remained stupefied and confounded :
three beauties, half naked; a table, plentifully covered with inviting
food, fruits, flowers ; a pavilion, where all was coral and purple ;
and all these conjured up by the name of Dorathil-goase. " Dora-
thil-goase !" cried he again, sitting down and looking about him ;
" where is my dear Dorathil-goase ?"

" She is not here, sir knight," replied the eldest of the three sis-
ters, li but you are within sight of one of the isles of which the
rebel genii have deprived her. You may see it over this arm of ,
the- sea yonder bluish vapor, which terminates your horizon."

"Are you attendants of hers? Whither am I transported ?" said
the young sultan, greatly moved.

" In our hearts," replied the eldest of the daughters of the sea,
" we are still her subjects, although subjected, in spite of us, to the
law of the rebellious Abarikaff, and to the immediate dominion of
the monstrous Racachik."

'< Where are they ?" interrupted Habib; " I will drive them from
the face of the earth."

"Sir," answered the eldest of the daughters of the sea, "they
are at present both out of your reach. Abarikaif is upon the Black
Isle ; and you have six seas to cross before you can meet with him.
Racachik is upon the White Isle, which you see there." " I wili
attack him instantly," said Habib. " The thing is possible, but you
must employ new expedients." "These shall be easily found out,
said the hero. "I arn here amid an enchanted scene, for which I
am undoubtedly indebted to the goodness of II Haboul or of Dora-
thil-goase; but where am I ? ;;

" On the same rock on which you fell asleep yesterday; we have
endeavored to make it more commodious to you."

" I thank you," said Habib ; " your power seems to be founded
upon charms of more than one sort. But if you are dispos d to
continue your goodness to me, cannot you, by a very small exertion
of magical power, transform this pavilion into a bark, whicli may
instantly carry me to the isle in which the enemy of Queen Dora-
thil-goase commands ? :J

" Sir knight," replied the eldest of the daughters of the sea, " al-
though we be three sisters, daughters of genii, and genii oursolvns,
yet here are neither charms nor enchantments. This pavilion and
this frugal mea are prepared ly natural means. The fatigues you

ENTERTAINMENTS. 393

have undergone since your departure from Arabia must have ex-
hausted your strength eat freely and cheerfully of these dishes ;
they were dressed for you by friendly hands. You will not sus-
pect the sincerity of our inclination to serve you, when you under-
stand, that by avenging our queen of the tyrant Racacbik, you will
do still more for us than if you should restore us to peace and rest,
But I can say no more, if you refuse to taste the food we oifer. ;;

Habib suffered himself to be prevailed upon ; and the daughter
of the sea continued her narrative in the following words :

"Since Abarikaff has made good his attempt by kindling rebellion
through all the provinces of Dorathil-goase's dominions, he commit-
ted the government of the White Isle, the frontier of his territo-
ries, to Racachik, the most cruel and infamous of the genii under
his command.

" This monster, before he joined the standard of Abarikaff, had
ranged through the ocean, under the form of an enormous shark.
When he observed a vessel under sail, he pursued it, and by his
poisonous eye fascinated the sailors and passengers. Hapless were
they who chanced to look on him ! Their heads became giddy, they
dropped into the sea; the monster dragged them under water, and
made them his prey. Nor was his hunger satiable ; when stran-
gers were not to be found, he glutted his voracious maw with the
blood of the queen's subjects. The tyrant Abarikaff authorized him
to do so ; for both had made a vow to exterminate the children of
Adam.

" As for ourselves, he cannot, it is true, deprive us of life : but we
are subject to torments more cruel than death itself. He chooses
from among us his wives and his slaves. These he changes every
moon. My sister and myself, at next new moon, must enter into a
great gait-water pond, which serves as his harem. The fatal time
will arriv,e in three days! If you shall attack the monster, be as-
sured of our earnest prayers for your success ; yet can we not hide
from you the dangers you must encounter.

" For his convenience while he is on land, the monster has in
part assumed a human form ; reserving, however, his shark's head,
armed with a triple row of teeth, because he found that so well
suited to his sanguinary nature. His gigantic body is covered with
enchanted scales, which are his armor. The shell of a huge tor-
toise forms his shield; and he wears on his head an enormous
twisted shell, by wa} of helmet. His lance is the horn of a sword-

17*

394 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

fish, six cubits in length lie mounts on the back of a sea-horse,
and thus rushes on to the combat ; the steed mingling his horrible
cries with those of his rider. The rib of a whale, which he has
rendered harder and sharper than steel, serves him for a scimetar.
His arms cannot be resisted by human force j for his weapons are
enchanted."

"How, madam!" interrupted Ilabib, with vivacity, "can I not
be transported in less than three days to the isle that is ravaged by
Racachik ? Find me a conveyance to the spot, and I swear by the
holy Prophet that I shall not rest till I have executed the vengeance
of Heaven on this wicked enemy of humanity !"

While Ilabib uttered this oath, his eye displayed somewhat more
than human, and his look was such as might have inspired a whole
arrny with courage. He made a few steps within the pavilion, and
his graceful air and majestic carriage still heightened the noble
expression of his countenance.

Ilzaide concealed herself behind her eldest sister. " There,"
said she in a whisper, " there is a hero ! How charming he is ! I
never saw his like ! Oh, sister, how I tremble lest I should love
him !" " I doubt," answered the other, u it is no longer time to
fear it !"

u Brave knight," continued she, addressing Habib, " we are as
anxious as yourself to procure you the means of delivering us from
the oppression of our tyrant. In the defiles of this mountain there
is a marsh, which produces reeds of an extraordinary strength and
size. We will form a raft of those materials, sufficient to bear you
through the calm sea to the White Island, to which place we our-
selves will conduct you. In the meantime, finish your repast, and
enjoy repose till morning. Come, sister," said she to Ilzaide, "let
us set about making the raft !" " I will attend you,'' resumed
Habib ; u I am surely able enough to participate in your labors.'''

" My sisters and I are sufficient," answered the eldest. " We
must pass for a great way under water, to a place where it woull
be impossible for you to follow us. We will soon return; for our
zeal and impatience for the accomplishment of your vow are not
less than your own; and to-morrow, by day -break, we shall be
ready to set out for the White Isle." The three sisters took their
leave if him, and passing with vast agility over the rocks came to
a small eminence on the brink of the sea. There, while they
bound up their tresses and prepared to plunge into the water, the

ENTERTAINMENTS. 395

younger sister asked her companions, "How can 'we leave him
alone ? he will soon weary in such solitude.'' " I dare say, sister,"
answered the eldest, "you would willingly keep him company,
and while we prepared the raft, you would take care to render
our labors vain. My dear sister, you are no stranger to the dan-
gers of the ocean ; but you are not yet acquainted with all its
shoals and quicksands ! Let us go where our duty calls us."
They all threw themselves into the sea, and disappeared.

In the meantime Habib, having made an end of his repast, and
seeing night approach, performed his ablution, and said his prayer;
after which he enjoyed an easy sleep, waiting the return of the
daughters of the sea.

When the first rays of the sun struck his eyelids, Habib awaked :
he looked anxiously toward the White Isle, and with his eye meas-
ured the distance. He suddenly perceived a remarkable commo-
tion in the water, though the sea was scarcely ruffled by the gentle
breeze. He observed an object advance with rapidity toward the
place where he stood, and saw several heads above the water, who
called to him, " Come, brave knight, come on board this raft !" He
knew the voices of the three sisters, and sprang upon the slender
craft, which, however, bore him on the surface of the waves.

Eight dolphins were yoked to the raft. The elder sister, with
half of her body above water, supported the stern with both her
hands, and served as a rudder to the vessel. The two younger
sisters swam, one on each side, keeping it in equilibrium with one
hand. Habib, having his mind full of the enterprise in which he
was engaged, was seated on the raft.

They soon discovered the shore of the White Isle and the palace
of the tyrant, which was built of shells and corals, on a promontory
projecting into the sea. When the sentinels perceived the war-
rior approaching they gave the alarm, and announced the news to
Racachik. The monster regarded him as a fresh prey ready to
fall into his hands.

" Let him come on, 7; said he ; u ask him what he wants ? He
shall soon know, to his cost, that no stranger can set foot on this
isle till he has tried my strength and courage : but I must arm my-
self to give him a suitable reception."

In the meantime the raft approached the/ land, and Habib leaped
ashore. One of the sentinels, who was an amphibious monster,
came up to interrogate him, as Racachik had commanded. "Co

396 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

tell thy master," said llabib, " that I am come to challenge him to
single combat." il You are not armed," said the monster, " nor
have you a horse." " Know," said the young sultan, " that my
turban is my casque, and my scimetar is instead of a helmet and a
buckler. I need no horse ; let thy master come on ! I here defy
him and all his powers."

No sooner was this message delivered than the furious Racachik,
clad in his strong mail of shells, and mounted on a hideous sea-
horse, whose clumsy gallop raised about him a cloud of dust, ad-
vanced toward the shore to attack the hero. li Despicable sou of
Adam ! vile slave of Mohammed ! thou art proud forsooth that
thou dost not creep on the earth like other reptiles, but canst raise
thy head three cubits above the clay from which thou art sprung.
Barest thou insult the genie Racachik ! take then the reward of
thy temerity." While he pronounced these words, he pushed ou
his horse against Habib, and aimed a thrust at him with his enor-
mous lance. The young hero opposed his scimetar, and the lance
of his adversary was shivered in pieces before the stroke reached
him. The shock, however, stunned the arm of the tyrant. His
horse became restive, reared on his hinder legs, and fell backward
on his rider. Racachik saw his danger, and called to his assist-
ance all the monsters subjected to his power. In a moment the
ocean was agitated, and poured forth a legion of sea-lions, hippo-
potami, and sea-calves ; whales approached the shore and spouted
up a torrent of water, which seemed to form a barrier between the
young prince and his enemy. The shore resounded with horrible
shrieks for the whole army of monsters united in their efforts
against the hero. He for some time kept them at bay with his
scimetar ; but fearing lest he should be overwhelmed by numbers,
he waved the sacred weapon thrice in the air, pronouncing the for-
midable word power. The effect was instantaneous ; the monsters
that had escaped the edge of the sword, constrained by a superior
force, plunged into the abyss from which they had issued. Raca-
chik again attempted to renew the fight; he dared to encounter
the weapon of Solomon with his monstrous scimetar, formed from
the rib of a whale ; but in a moment it Avas broken into a thousand
pieces. His scaly armor and enchanted weapons fell into dust !
" Go, wretch," cried Habib, " go, lament thy crimes eternally in
the caverns of Caucasus ! 7? In an instant the shore was cleared of
every vestige of the monsters, and no trace of Racachik's enchant-
ments remained.

KNTK I IT A I XMENTS. 397

A dismal silence succeeded to this scene of horror and tumult.
The victorious Habib, grateful for his destiny, fell prostrate, and
adored the being to whom he owed his success: "Great power,"
cried he ; lt whom none can resist, thy breath hath dispersed thine
enemies like chaff, and left not a wreck behind ! The fire that con-
sumes the stubble leaves the field covered with ashes ; thy foes are
consumed, but no mark of them remains. The slender reed in the
hand of thy servant, God, is more powerful than the sturdy oak
in the grasp of the wicked. I am like an arrow in the bow of Mo-
hammed and of Solomon. I have been sent against this accursed
race, and they are destroyed."

Habib arose with an humble sense of the kindness of Heaven, and
did not at first perceive the snare that was spread for his virtue.
The whole shore was covered with the beautiful daughters of the
sea, adorned with crowns and garlands of marine flowers. They
had assembled to express their grateful thanks to their deliverer,
and to lay at his feet all the riches of their element. The harmo-
nious concert of their voices, and their graceful address, while they
did homage to the hero, might have moved the most savage heart.
The young Ilzaide and her sisters were more earnest in testifying
their gratitude than the rest. But the modesty of Habib would
not permit him to accept the praises they lavished on him. ' : I
have done nothing for you," cried he, "I have only fulfilled my'
duty, and deserve not such acknowledgments. Where are the
mosques ? Let us go to the temple, where we may give thanks to
God. I will lead the way. If there be any faithful subject of your
queen Dorathil-goase in this place, let him stand forth, that I may
put these, your gifts, into his hand ; for I can only accept them in
her name."

A genie, in his natural form, immediately presented himself.
He was bent nnder a load of years ; his wings were shattered, and
his body galled by the chains with which the tyrant had loaded
him. His name was Balazan.

" Sir," said the genie, < when our good queen, Camarilzaman,
reigned, AVC had three mos.ques on this island, but Racnchik pro-
faned and demolished them. That heap of rubbish you see before
us is the ruins of a city which he sacked, and of which he devoured
the inhabitants. The isle has remained without culture and with-
out commerce. Illabousatrous bestowed on me the government of
this place ; but Racachik, on his arrival, threw me into a dun-

398 ARABIAN NKJI1TS

goon, from which I have been liberated by your victory. I come
to do homage to the messenger of Solomon, who displays on this
coast the sword of the prophet, and to offer my services to him
who is the deliverer of the children of God, and the avenger of
Dorathil-goase." " Well," answered Habib ; " Balazan, in the
name of the great prophet, and Dorathil-goase, whose knight I am,
J restore to thee all the powers with which thou wert formerly in-
vested. Take these treasures which lie at my feet ; cause the
mosques to be rebuilt, and let the muezzin proclaim from the lofty
turrets, that all the queen's faithful subjects, wherever they are
dispersed, may repair thither without fear. Govern here in the
name of Mohammed, of the great Solomon, and of your queen.
Re-establish good order, and procure me the means of transporting
myself to Medinaz-il-ballor."

" Noble and valiant knight !" returned Balazan, lt I accept with
confidence the authority you have bestowed on me, and I submit
to the decrees of Heaven. But, sir, it is impossible to assist you
in going where your destiny calls you. This isle is deprived of
every means of navigation ; and the path through the air is equally
impracticable ] for my wings are disabled, as you see ; but though
that were not the case, Abarikaff has so guarded the passes that
all my efforts to break hirf enchantments would prove in vain.
You must pursue your journey from one isle to another by the
same means you employed in coming* hither. Avail yourself of
the enthusiasm with which your person and valor have inspired the
genii of the sea ; and they may, perhaps, be able to conduct you
to the chief seat of our enemy's power. The event will depend
on your own courage and the decrees of fate. Already has the
terror of your arms spread to the Yellow and Red Isles. Mokil-
ras, the tiger of the sea. tyrannizes over both. He is the son of
the monster from whom you have just delivered us. Informed of
his father's overthrow, he is at this moment using every precaution
his fears can suggest. You will have many difficulties to encounter
but if you shall prevail against him, you need only erect on your
standard the skin of the monster, and the Red Island will at once
submit."

Habib then addressed the eldest of the three sisters : " If I could
find here a fisher's boat, or a small skiff," said he, " I would em-
bark in it for the Yellow Isle; but as I may be unable to obtain
assistance, will the genii of your element refuse me theiraidr"

ENTERTAINMENTS. 399

" If fear should hinder them from engaging in the noble enter-
prise," answered she, " if they are ignorant of the degree of con-
fidence due to a knight of your merit, rny sisters and I will show
them their duty. Our dolphins can as least conduct the raft within
a league of the shore ; but it would be dangerous for them to pro-
ceed farther, on account of the precautions taken by Mokilras."
*' A league is but a short way to swim," said Habib, a in the eyes
of a man who is determined, at all hazards, to do his duty."

" generous knight," resumed the daughter of the sea ; " whc
could refuse to follow you, were it only to have tho pleasure of
seeing you, and hearing your discourse ? but are you not afraid that
you may at last fall a prey to these terrible sea-monsters 1'^ " I
know no fear, madam, but that of failing to second the decrees of
destiny, or falling short of my duty to your queen !" " Valiant
prince, you may rely on our fidelity; my sisters and I will reserve
to ourselves the honor of serving you."

At that moment the raft was afloat, and bore them through the
waters with immense velocity. They were now able to distinguish
the commotion that their approach had occasioned in the Yellow
Isle. It was at the distance of about a league, and the dolphins,
actuated by instinct, suddenly stopped, and endeavored to break
the harness by which they were yoked to the raft. One of the
sisters advanced and set them at liberty, while the raft remained
motionless on the surface of the water. A wave was at that mo-
ment raised by the sea-monsters, which approached the raft, and
seemed ready to overwhelm it. Ilabib saw that no time was to be
lost in saving his amiable companions from the danger that
threatened them. He took his scimetar in his hand and plunged
into the sea, pronouncing aloud the sacred word inscribed on the
talisman.

The waters seemed to arrange themselves to afford him a pas-
sage ; the billows subsided, and the sea became smooth. At last
the hero arrived at a shallow sand-bank, on which he proceeded
to the shore without interruption.

He saw his enemies dispersed in small parties, who seemed
ready to betake themselves to flight at his approach. He advanced
toward those that appeared most formidable, flew on them with
the rapidity of lightning, and whoever ventured to oppose him in-
stantly sunk under the dreadful strokes of his scimetar.

Mokilras, the enormous tiger, came up, walking on his hinder

400 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

feet, and aimed a blow at the hero with a monstrous club but in-
stantly resuming his own nature, ran off on four feet. Habib pur-
sued him ] but human strength and agility were insufficient to the
contest; he therefore pronounced the sacred word, adding, " Mo-
kilras ! I arrest t/iee in the name of Solomon /" The monster re-
mained immovable. One stroke of the scimetar severed his head
from his body, and his skin was immediately stripped off.

As soon as the tyrant of the Yellow Isle was despatched, the
elements returned to their natural order, and a calm succeeded to
the dreadful storms by which they had been agitated.

When the three daughters of the sea were again assembled about
the raft, the young Ilzaide raised herself upon it, and with a long
marine trumpet called together the affrighted dolphins, a.nd they
were obedient to her voice. Innumerable inhabitants of the ocean
crowded about the place, who united their voices in joyfully sing-
ing the victories of the hero, and thus approached the shore at the
moment of his triumph over Mokilras.

Habib returned to the raft, but refused to accept the homage, or
rather adoration, that was offered to him. " Creatures of God,''
said, he, " worship your Creator ; lift your eyes to Heaven, and
thank the Almighty for your deliverance. It is to him alone, your
gratitude is due. Subjects of Dorathil-goase," cried he, "^reserve
those expressions of submission and respect, for your queen : her
knight will join you in doing her homage, and in offering up
prayers for her prosperity."

When he had finished his speech, a multitude of people assem-
bled about him from all quarters, whose presence at once increased
his triumph and his embarrassment. Every one seemed more for-
ward than another to swear allegiance to him, and to demand a
renewal of the laws. Happily the old genie Balazan came to his
relief.

As soon as all the inhabitants of the White Isle had submitted
to the authority of that genie, he made a vigorous effort to rise into
the air, that he might follow the successful hero to whom he owed
his deliverance; and after a hard struggle, he now joined the
young Habib in the Yellow Island, at the moment when the inhab-
itants of that country were doing him homage.

" Subjects of Dorathil-goasc," cries the old genie, this gallant
knight accepts your testimonies of gratitude. Return to your pos-
sessions, and enjoy them, while you live under the laws of our

ENTERTAINMENTS. 401

sovereign. And you, valiant knight/' addressing himself to Ha-
bib, ft you may now take a little repose. The conquest of the Red
Isle is not an enterprise worth your while. I will go alone on the
raft, and bear with me the skin and the arms of Mokilras. At the
sight of that terrible trophy, the rebels will, of their own accord,
submit their necks to our chains. Reserve your strength for the
conquest of the Green and Blue Islands, and, above all, that of
the Black Isle."

Habib despised a victory that might be obtained without dan-
ger ; he, therefore, committed the conduct of the enterprise to
Balazan, and took repose, that he might be invigorated for his
future labors.

The hero was still asleep when Balazau returned from the Red
Isle, carrying in his hands two bags formed of goat-skin. ll These/'
he cried, while he awakened Habib, " these, my brave knight, are
all the remains of our dangerous enemies to be found in the country
which I have just now restored to the dominions of our queen.
I have enclosed them in these bags that I may forthwith send them
to the caverns of Mount Caucasus. To-morrow you may proceed
without obstruction to the Red Isle, and then consult the means of
pursuing your victories ; but it is impossible to foresee all the dan-
gers you must encounter. The tyrant Nisabic governs the Green
and Blue Isles : the enchantments of this genie are almost as power-
ful as those of Abarikafi' himself. It is impossible to inform you
of the various means he may use to repel your attacks ; your own
prudence and ingenuity must direct you in avoiding such dangers
as are visible, and in guarding against the secret snares that may
be laid for you. We. alas ! could do nothing ; but what power
can oppose the gallant knight of Dorathil-goase ?"

Opposition and difficulty only served to inflame the courage of
the Arabian prince. At the earliest dawn he set out with the raft,
and the dolphins conducted him to the Red Isle. lie went round
the point of the island that he might be ready to depart for the
Green Isle, which he determined to attack the next day.

The daughters of the sea never quitted their deliverer, but
obligingly served him in whatever he wanted. He now called to
mind the sage counsels of II Ilaboul : " I am less afraid of the
open force," would he say, " than of the secret machinations of
your enemies." The young prince, therefore, determined to be on
his guard against those of the genii with whom he was bound to

402 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

contend. He fell asleep, confiding in the goodness of Providence,
and arose next morning with a heart glowing with courage and
hope.

The hero was proceeding on his voyage with tranquillity, when
all at once, the three sisters uttered a dreadful shriek, and the
head and hands of Ilzaide, who swam by the side of the raft, sud-
denly disappeared. Habib instantly threw himself into the sea,
with his scimetar in his hand. He found himself entangled in the
meshes of a net; he pronounced the terrible word, and employed
the edge of his weapon. The net was cut to pieces. He laid hold
of Ilzaide, placed her on the raft, and flew to the assistance of her
sisters. "When he had placed them in safety, he perceived the raft
was agitated without moving forward, and that this was occasioned
by the dolphins being entangled in the same sort of netting. He
disengaged them ; and that he might open a passage, he mounted
on the foremost dolphin, and proceeded toward the shore, striking
on the right hand and the left with his scimetar, which cut the en-
chanted net that had been spread to oppose his course.

From the summit of the highest tower in his castle of steel, the
tyrant beheld an object approaching toward the shore. He saw
its progress through the magical netting he had spread in the
water, but he perceived not the Arabian knight. He, however,
discovered three female figures, half naked, seated on the raft,
which advanced with great rapidity. He knew not what species
of danger he had to apprehend. None could be so weak as to
imagine that his heart might be assailed by female charms ; and
the precautions he had taken were, in his opinion, sufficient to guard
him against the power of enchantments. His palace was construct-
ed of solid steel ; and it was only accessible by a vaulted passage
in the rock, armed with iron pikes ; the whole vault being sup-
ported by one keystone, which was retained in its place only by a
slender thread. This defence was, he thought, proof against all
the arts of magic.

Nisabic, confiding in the strength of his palace, came out by
the formidable vault, and prepared to meet his antagonist. The
group of females still advanced, and the knight at last leaped
ashore.

The monster, who was clad in strong armor, despised such an
assailant. lie had consulted his horoscope, and discovered " that
mne could vanish him, without being master of his steel house."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 403

It appeared to him almost impossible that his enemy could escape
the danger of the mysterious vault; and, if he should even be so
happy as to pass through it, he thought he could still make no
impression on a fort which he regarded as impregnable.

Nisabic, bearing in his hand a steel club of enormous weight,
advanced to Habib : " Audacious stranger ! 7; cried he, " what mad-
ness has induced thee to rush on certain destruction ?" " I am
the knight of Dorathil.goase," answered Habib, firmly ; " I come
to punish the rebels against God and the great Solomon." "Vile
reptile !" replied the enraged genie, " receive the death I inflict
on the meanest of my slaves ! J) While he pronounced these words,
he raised his dreadful club, and aimed a blow at the head of the
young prince.

The hero warded off the stroke with the blade of his scimetar.
The effect was terrible. At the sight of the awful talisman the
club dropped from the hands of the geuie, and he fell motionless
on the earth. He saw himself in the power of his enemy, and
muttered some dark words of conjuration. Habib flew on his van-
quished foe, and endeavored to pierce his body, but he was sur-
prised to find that it was only his armor that lay at his feet, and
that he had obtained no more than the shell of the warrior. The
material substance of Nisabic had disappeared ; and the Arabian
prince did aot at that moment know that his victory was greater
than if he had seized the body of the genie. In short, the proph-
ecy was explained and accomplished which declared that "he
who should vanquish him must .first be master of his steel house."
The oracle meant the armor in which he was incased, and which
Nisabic thought impenetrable.

Habib trampled under foot this enormous suit of armor ; and by
three or four strokes of his scimetar, unloosed all its joints, and
scattered the fragments. Thus was another prediction of the
oracle fulfilled, which said, that " the power of Nisabic should be
disjointed and scattered.''

The monster, by making himself invisible, and retiring under
the vault that led to his palace, had made the last effort in his
power. He presented himself at the entrance of the vault in his
natural form, with his sword in his hand, as if he would challenge
his antagonist to single combat. The young prince fell into the
snare ; the genie retreated a few steps, and cut the thread which
retained the key-stone of the vault, and the rocks instantly began
to fall with a horrible crashing noise.

4.04 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

At the first alarm the hero pronounced aloud the sacred word
of the talisman, and opposed the falling rocks by the dazzling
blade of his scimetar. The vast fragments of stone arranged them-
selves on his right hand and his left, without doing the least injury
to the young sultan; but he heard near him the most piteous cries
and groans, and was involved in a cloud of dust. It was the tyrant
himself who uttered these lamentations : ' : Arabian prince !" cried
the genie. " I am made acquainted with thy destiny and my own,
by my present misfortune ! The oracles have deceived me ; I have
long expected thee, yet I knew thee not ! Thou hast disguised thy
power under a show of weakness, and I have been vanquished
through my own imprudence. Abuse not thy victory ; I am buried
under these ruins, in a situation altogether insupportable. Cause
me, I beseech thee, to be transported to the dungeons of Caucasus
where I may, at least, have the comfort of mingling my groans
with those of my companions ! ;;

" Genie !" answered Habib, "thou art, indeed, guilty of many
crimes ; yet, as I have the soul of a true knight, even an enemy
may demand a favor of me ! I must, however, tnke advice ; and
I will not return thee an answer till I have offered up three
prayers."

Habib was enclosed in a sort of pit amidst the rocks. Scarce
was the cloud of dust dissipated, when he saw what he might have
taken for two stars over his head ; they were the bright eyes of
Ilzaide, the youngest of the three daughters of the sea. " Are you
then safe, my prince ? /M cried she. u How happy are we! We
trembled for your life when we beheld this mountain tumble on
your head ! Lay hold of my hair, sir. Fear not that you hurt
me. I have strength and resolution sufficient to sustain your
weight." While she said these words, she threw down her long
flowing tresses, of which he gently took hold, and by this means
ascended from the cavern.

His first care was to thank his benefactress. ' I have done
nothing, sir," said she, " that merits your acknowledgments. Were
it in my power I would make you the happiest of mortals." She
then lent him her hand, and assisted him in passing from one rock
to another, till they came to the exterior rampart of the steel cas-
tle, the residence of the genie, Nisabic.

Scarce were they arrived at the outward fosse when they observed
the other daughters of the sea at a short distance. " Come, sisters.''

ENTERTAINMENTS. 405

cried Ilzaide, ll here he is !" Nothing but a true and sincere pas-
sion could have preserved our hero from the attacks of the charm-
ing Ilzaide, which were the more dangerous as they were the
effusions of innocence, and pure simplicity of heart ; but his cl.oice
was fixed by destiny, and the beautiful queen had nothing to fear.

The conquest of the Green Isle was not yet accomplished. The
steel castle was inaccessible ; the fortifications were guarded the
gates shut, and the bridges drawn up. " I know not," said Habib,
" how I shall set about this arduous enterprise. This fort seems
impregnable to human force. I have no confidence in* my own
powers ; the decrees of fate must guide my steps. Perhaps," con-
tinued he, addressing the three sisters, il the pretended submission
of Nisabic might be a snare laid to bring me into new difficulties
and dangers, in which it would be improper that you should par-
take. Return, then, to your native element. Offer up your pray-
ers for the knight of Dorathil-goase ; at least, let your absence
make me easy on your account." li We will not leave you," an-
swered they. " We fear no danger while you are with us. If
you were by my side," added the youngest, " I would brave the
fury of the tempest, while it tears up the foundation of the rocks !"
Ilabib approached the draw-bridge with his scimetar in his
hand. " In the name of Solomon," cried he, " and by virtue of
his talisman, I command this bridge to be let down !" In a mo-
ment it began to move on its hinges, descended, and offered an
easy passage over the fosse. The hero with his sabre cut the two
chains that served to raise it, and entered the court of the fortress.

In the midst of that court stood a lofty column, on the top of
which was placed an iron cage. This pillar was covered with
talismanic inscriptions. On the bottom was written, " Thou canst
not be destroyed but by the, power of Arabia /" Habib struck the
talismans with his sword. A sudden noise resounded from the
caverns through the vaulted roofs of the castle, and the pillar sunk
into dust. The subjects of Dorathil-goase, whom the tyrant
had loaded with chains, now issued from their dungeons. The
iron cage stood on the earth, and Habib perceived that it contain-
ed a very extraordinary object a naked woman, whose face was
covered with her long hair. " Who are you, madam ?" asked the
hero. ' Sir," answered she, "I pray thee deliver me from this
prison and giv l me some garments that I may appear with de-
cency before you. This cage is shut by means of a talisman,

406 . ARABIAN NIGHTS'

which the cruel Nisabic always carries about with him. Restore
my liberty, and I shall never cease to bless God, and Mohammed,
and yourself." u You will not, I hope, forget the great Solomon/'
interrupted the knight, '' in whose name I break these bars." At
the same time he cut them in pieces with his sabre.

The three daughters of the sea each contributed part of their
dress to afford a covering for the prisoner, so that she might pre-
sent herself before the hero without offence to modesty. As soon
:is the subjects of Dorathil-goase saw themselves relieved from
their fetters, they made haste to show their respect and attach-
ment to the unknown lady, by falling prostrate at her feet. Habib
expressed his surprise at this behavior : " What means all this ?
who is this lady ?" asked he. " Alas ! sir, ; ' answered they. " it is
the lady of the beautiful tresses. She was our queen before the
rebellion of Abarikaff. She is the near relation of the fair Do-
rathil-goase."

" Heaven !" cried the Arabian prince, " a queen, the kins-
woman of Dorathil-goase! How shall I be able to restore her to
what she has lost ?"

" Nothing can be easier," answered they. "The tyrant has col-
lected in his fortress, not only all the riches of our queen, but the
whole spoil of the island. While you art, master here, you pos-
sess abundance of treasure. Those poor women whom you see at
the further end of the court, and whose situation forbids them to
approach you, were the servants of our royal mistress. They
showed too much attachment to her after her misfortunes, and a
long imprisonment has been the reward bestowed by the tyrant
on their fidelity."

" Bring hither," cried Habib, " all those who have been attached
to the person of your queen. Let them take possession of this
palace, which belongs to her." " I myself was in her service,"
said he whom he had formerly addressed. " and held a place of
some consequence." " Thou mayest resume it," returned Habib,
" if your mistress thinks fit. In the meantime use every means to
relieve her present wants ; and when you have made her easy,
since you know this place, you can point out to me the most mag-
nificent apartment in the castle, that I may have the pleasure i (
conducting her into it."

In a moment, all the servants who had formed the household
of the lady of the beautiful tresses, were assembled. Habib pro-

ENTERTAINMENTS. 40?

pented them to her, and at the same time begged that she would
favor him with her hand.

" To you it belongs," said she, " to command, in this place."
11 Permit me, madam, as the knight of Dorathil-goase, to have the
honor of reconducting you to your palace."

The lady of the beautiful tresses cast down her eyes, and suf-
fered the hero to lead her into the splendid apartment that had
been prepared for her by the genie, but to which she had prefer-
red the iron cage she had just left. Everything was in the most
superb style. A profusion of riches was accumulated around her,
and the lady found no difficulty in providing suitable garments for
herself and her whole court.

The three daughters of the sea followed her, and as the com-
panions of the Arabian knight, claimed the honor of being per-
mitted to trim her beautiful hair.

" Alas !" cried she, " these locks have been the cause of my mis-
fortunes, yet they have also been a resource during my sufferings,
and I do not regret the care I have taken to preserve them. With
pleasure, therefore, I commit them to your care." The beautiful
queen arose from her toilet with a triple crown on her head, form-
ed of her braided hair, entwined with strings of rubies and pearls,
while two loose tresses waved gracefully on her back, and de-
scended lower than her girdle.

She was no sooner dressed than an usher entered to announce
that dinner was ready. She invited the three sisters to dine with
her, and the gallant Habib led her into the hall. Now was the
Arabian knight seated at a table with ladies for the first time in
his life ; nor had he enjoyed a repast that was not the immediate
produce of his own industry or that of others, for six months be-
fore. The entertainment was sumptuous, for there was no want of
provisions in the kitchens and stores of Nisabic.

The lady of the beautiful tresses was in the flower of youth.
Her stature was graceful and majestic ; her shape perfectly hand-
some ; her bright eyes were expressive of languor and keen sen-
sibility ; in short, it was impossible to behold her without sympa-
thizing with her misfortunes ; and no heart, but one entirely
pre-oecupied, could have resisted her charms. Habib regarded
her with a look of tender compassion, and Il/aide meeting the
glance of his eye, felt the sting of jealousy without suspecting the
cause.

408 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

During the repast, the company reciprocally showed each othei
the most polite attentions, and when it was finished, they retired
into another apartment. There, as soon as they were seated,
llabib entreated the fair queen to favor them with a recital of her
ill-fortune. The lady, heaving a sigh, and wiping the tears from
her lovely eyes, began in this manner ;

STORY OF THE LADY OF THE BEAUTIFUL TRESSES.

My father swayed the sceptre over the Green and the Blue
Isles, under the favor of his brother (the father of Dorathil-goase),
to whom he annually did homage, and offered a tribute. I am,
like my cousin, the only offspring of a marriage contracted be-
tween a prince and the daughter of a genie.

Illabousatrous, father to my aunt Camarilzaman, and chief of
the spirits subject to Solomon, had formed the project of establish-
ing in this country all the genii obedient to that great prophet.
To prevent their relapse, he wished them to intermarry with the
children of Adam. Many of them refused these terms, among
whom were Abarikaff, Mokilras, and Nisabic. They offered many
pretended reasons tor their revolt, but their true motive to rebel-
lion was their ambition to possess sovereign authority.

I lost my parents about the same time that my cousin Dorathil-
goase was deprived of hers. I saw myself thus seated on a throne,
under the guidance of an old vizier whom my father had chosen
for me. The insolent Nisabic, a favorite of AbarikafFs, became in
love, not with my person, but with these locks of hair.

He had convinced himself, by prognostics drawn from his en-
chantments, that, if he could espouse me, he might subject to his
power as many genii as there are hairs in my head, and that each
individual hair would serve to claim one genie.

The monster had the audacity to communicate to me his extrav-
agant project, and to represent, by way of inducing me to comply,
the great power I might by this means enjoy. I rejected his offers
with disdain, and bestowed my hand on the young prince Dalilsha,
who already possessed my heart. Scarce were we united, when
the rebellion of Abarikaff was declared. He drew into his revolt
all the inhabitants of the Black Isle, over whom he had been
placed as vizier. Legions of rebel spirits came to join his standard,
from the most distant parts of the earth. Illabousatrous and his
grand-daughter could scarce maintain their ground in the Island

KNTEKTAINA11 NTS. 409

of Medinaz-il-ballor : nor could they afford the smallest aid to those
who were subdued by Mokilras and Nisabic, under the authority
of Abarikaff.

Dalilsha, my husband, was sent prisoner to the Black Isle, where
the traitor Abarikaff kept him as a hostage while the wicked Nisa-
bic again renewed to me the offer of his odious hand.

" My queen," said he, "your hand is now disengaged, nor can
you reserve it for my slave. It belongs, in right, to the conquer-
or." " Vile rebel," cried I, " the malignant stars that have favored
thee will, one day, receive the punishment due to their crimes"
He retired in a rage, and shut me up a prisoner in my palace.
Every day he -renewed his importunities, which I constantly re-
pelled with the utmost contempt : but, blinded as he was by the
horoscope he had drawn, he still continued to require my hand in
the most imperious tone.

At last, when he found he had nothing to hope from entreaties
or commands, he determined to employ the most terrible severities
against me. I threatened to pull out the fatal hairs by the roots.
" I shall soon prevent that," cried he ; " they shall henceforth be
your only resource."

The monster then enclosed me in the iron cage from which you
delivered me. In my miserable captivity, my life was sustained
by his enchantments. I was allowed no food but air, no drink but
my tears; my hair was my only protection against the inclemency
of the weather, the only covering that remained to conceal my
confusion, exposed, naked as I was, to the eyes of so many specta-
tors. Thus did he force me to preserve these locks, which were
the source of my misfortunes, and the object of his vain hopes.

Each morning he came to the bottom of the pillar and asked if I
was weary of suffering, and would now consent to give him my
hand ? I entreated that he might permit me to die. lie answered
me by sprinkling some water from his hand into the air. " Live,
suffer, weep, comb your hair with your fingers !" cried he, with an
air of cruel triumph. Every night he urged me to come to his bed,
repeating the same words.

This, brave knight, is my sad history. It is impossible for me to
guess how long my sufferings have endured, as I was continually
absorbed in melancholy reflections. You have in some measure
relieved me from my troubles ; but, separated as I am from a hus-
band whom I tenderly love, and afflicted with the idea of the tor-

18

410 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

merits to \vlilch he is ; without doubt, subjected, I cannot taste the
joy which the sight of my deliverer and my happy change of for-
tune \vould otherwise inspire !

When she had ceased to speak, the lady of the beautiful tresses
burst into tears, and, by a sort of involuntary motion, which had
become habitual to her, put her fingers into her hair as if to comb it.

Habib had never before had an opportunity of commiserating the
sufferings of others. The recital of the lady's disgrace inspired him
with a feeling altogether new to his mind. His soul was moved,
and he shed a torrent of tears. Ilzaide began to sob so heavily that
she w r as obliged to rise from her seat and go out. Her elder sister
followed her. " What is the matter, Ilzaide V asked she ; " why
don't you contain yourself before the company ?" " I cannot,"
ansAvered the younger sister ; " that lady's story has too deeply af-
fected our Arabian knight. You are not like me, sister ; I can't
bear that he should suffer the smallest degree of pain." While
she talked in this manner, she was re-conducted to her place.

The lady of the beautiful tresses, observing the uneasiness of the
company on her account, composed herself: and Habib, as soon as
he had mastered his own emotions, addressed her in this manner :

" Madam," said he, '' I swear by the sacred scimetar \rith which
I am intrusted, that your husband shall be restored to you, and
that I will avenge the injuries done to Dorathil-goase and your-
self, till the last of your enemies are exterminated !

" If I may credit the word of Nisabic, he, already, in part, suf-
fers the punishment due to his abominable crimes, by being at this
moment buried under the vast heap of rocks with which he wished
to overwhelm me. I am more than avenged for all the evil he in-
tended me. But Heaven, Dorathil-goase, and yourself, madam,
call for more ample vengeance. Let us go together to the foot of
these rocks under which he expected to crush me. I will ?ioploy
for his punishment the very means his horoscope pointed out to
him, as the fittest to subject others to his power.

" Deign to accompany mo, madam, that I may, under the pro-
tection of Heaven, put an end to your troubles, and afford you the
satisfaction of seeing your injuries revenged."

He then went out, followed by the lady of the beautiful tresses,
and the three sisters, and advanced to the vast piie of rocks, which
now stopped up the passage between the ramparts of the
and the shore.

ENTEUTAINMENTS. 41 1.

When they arrived on the spot, Habib struck the rock thrice
with the scimetar, and pronounced, with a loud voice. "Nisabic!
if thou dost still groan under these rocks, give a sign ; it is the
Arabian knight who calls thee !" At that moment the enormous
mass of stones began to heave, anda dreadful groan was heard.
The lady of the beautiful tresses knew the voice, and trembled at
the bound.

<: Rebel genie," resumed Habib. "I am still ignorant of many
crimes you may have committed; but before I can send thee to
expiate them in the caverns of Caucasus, thou must be humbled in
the presence of a queen whom thou hast basely insulted V

When he had said this to the genie, he next addressed himself to
the queen. li Madam," said he, " this impious spirit wished to
make use of your hair for the purpose of subjecting to his power
other beings like himself. It will be proper to punish his fool-
ish ambition by the very means he hoped to employ in satisfying
it."

Habib again struck the rock, and cried out, " Guilty wretch i
thou shalt have three of those hairs you so eagerly desired ; but
they shall become chains of iron on thy neck, thy hands, and thy
feet." He then threw the hairs into the air, pronouncing with a
firm and solemn tone of voice : " Noble creatures of God ! spirits
who watch over the elements, servants of Mohammed, and friends
of Solomon, chain this criminal, throw him at the feet of her whom
he hath offended, and then bear him hence to the dungeons of
Caucasus !"

Dreadful shrieks were heard, the rocks opened, and Nisabic
came forth, loaded with chains. He stood for an instant humbly
bending his head to the earth, before the lady of the beautiful
tresses, and suddenly disappeared.

While the hideous monster was presented to their view, Ilziade
concealed herself behind the knight. The fair queen could not re-
strain her emotions of fear and disgust. "Take courage, madam,"
said Habib, " you see that your hair is a precious treasure. It
shall, this very night, free you from all your enemies that remain
shut up in the prisons of this castle, and whose poisonous breath
infects the air. The same means will be effectual against those
who are lurking about this island, in hopes of escaping my ven-
geance. Nor is this all. I here see a certain and easy method of
subjecting the whole rebel genii in the Blue Island, without the

412 AK.VBIAN NIGHTS'

tremble of going in pursuit of them. I hope, also, to see your pow-
erful hairs prevail against the tyrant Abarikaff, himself; and thus
vill the horoscope be verified at the cost of your enemies, and
thos^ of Dorathil-goase, which foretold, that ' your lock* should
furnish chains for legions of genii. 7 You need not be sparing of
your hair, madam ; yield to the call of destiny, and whatever you
give away will be amply replaced."

The lady of the beautiful tresses returned to her chamber, and
the three sisters attended at her toilet to undress her. Confident
in the wisdom and virtue of the knight, she plucked out a whole
handful of her hair, and gloried in the thought of its being so no-
bly employed. Ilzaide received the prize from her hand, and flew
with it to the hero. Habib then went to the gates of the prisons
and performed the necessary ceremonies, and all the rebel spirits
were, at his command, instantly transported to the dungeons of
Caucasus.

He next mounted on the terrace at the top of the castle, scat-
tered a portion of the hair into the air, and invoked the slaves of
the prophet, commanding them to give the charm effect against
all their remaining enemies in the Green Isle, and also against
those who were in possession of the Blue Isle. He heard a con-
fused sound of distant groans, which assured him of the success
of his operation.

He indulged a moment's reflection on what he had done, " Were
1 now to stand before thee, my dear 11 Haboul, I might appear
less humbled than formerly ; but I could not be vain.

' The words have passed from my lips, and miracles have fol-
lowed. I have conquered shall I glory in my strength ? My
words are but a breath ! my strength but as' one of those hairs I
hold in my hand ! ;; While he said this, he carefully put into his
bosom the remaining lock of the lady's precious hair, and returned
to the hall to join his company.

" Be not uneasy, madam," said he as he entered ; '' you are de-
livered from your enemies. My destiny and ruy duty require
that I should leave you to-morrow; but if Heaven shall favor my
arms, you may rest assured that I will not lose sight of my dear-
est interests. To-morrow I shall have the honor to bear the com-
mands to the Blue Isle. I must carry with me the amiable com-
panions of my labors. I have yet two seas to pass ! and I may
still have need of their kind assistance in a country where the ty-
ranre nare destroyed every means of navigation."

ENTERTAINMENTS 413

The lady of the beautiful tresses was sorry to part so soon with
the young hero, to whom she owed her deliverance; but she
thought it her duty to yield to a request, in the motive of which
she was deeply interested. They took leave of each other with
every testimony of the most perfect esteem.

At the earliest dawn, Habib with his fair companions, departed.
The raft flew over the waves, and reached the shore of the Blue
Isles before mid-day. The inhabitants were assembled to testify
their joy at their sudden and unexpected deliverance. Their op-
pressors had been vanquished- and carried off before their eyes,
yet they knew not by whom.

Habib, on his arrival, increased their satisfaction by informing
them of the happy deliverance of their queen. As they were
the neighbors of the Black Isle, he made inquiry as to what had
passed there, and what success Abarikaif had had in his attack
on the isle that still remained faithful to Dorathil-goase.

*'' Sir/' answered the inhabitants, " ever since the rebels have had
possession of this isle, there has not been even a fishing-boat seen,
on our coast. By their nature they could communicate with each
other through the air; but we were deprived of every means of in-
tercourse with other human beings. We were not permitted to
leave the shore, and we could learn nothing of what happened
elsewhere. Whether owing to a near or distant storm, we cannot
tell, but the arm of the sea that flows between the islands, has,
within these few days, become much blacker than usual. The
waves are constantly agitated though no wind nor current is per-
ceptible. We are of opinion that the passage hence to the Black
Isle has become extremely dangerous, though we cannot explain
the cause. Indeed, the dread of the tyrant has prevented every
inquiry of that sort.

The Arabian hero, resolving to see with his own eyes next morn-
ing the dangers they had described to him accepted their hospita-
ble invitation; and. without communicating anything of his design,
cheerfully partook of their amusements and frstivity.

He arose before the return of day, mounted his raft, and
coasted along the Blue Isle, till he had passed its limits. He then
attempted to enter the strait which separates it from the Black
Isle, but the waves were so furiously agitated that the dolphins
took fright, and ran ashore on the Blue Isle

Habib in vain struck the waves with his sabre, and even pro-

^1 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

nounced the awful word which had dissolved all other enchant-
ments, without effect. The charms against which he now con-
tended did not act in the air, and the means by which his raft was
thrown ashore were perfectly natural, though the remote cause
was not so.

Vast fishes and marine monsters, collected from all the neigh-
boring seas, were assembled in this strait to opppose the passage
of our hero. The waves being loaded by their enormous bodies,
were thrown into such commotion, that a large vessel might have
been overset by the surge. The perturbed waters, in short, ex-
hibited the most hideous spectacle. The daughters of the sea,
accustomed as they were to the sight of the monstrous inhabitants
of the deep, and notwithstanding the presence of the brave kniglit,
could not resist the terror of a sight so new and so strange. They
fled with a precipitation to the land, and put themselves under the
protection of the Arabian prince, who stood motionless, absorbed
in thought.

'What danger can this be, that has frightened the dolphins and
the daughters of the sea? What charm has resisted the tremen-
dous word I have pronounced ? The sword of Solomon is use-
less in the hands of him who has not his wisdom. My dear II
Haboul, where art thou ? Inspire me, I beseech thee. Dangers
must be met, and closely examined. Means are to be tried, that we
may judge of their nature.

' Sword of Solomon, open to me a passage through the
abyss of the sea, or bear me, if it be needful, upon its raging
billows."

The hero, while he spoke thus, stood upon the pinnacle of a
high rock, from which he threw himself headlong into the ^ea.
Monstrous fishes crowded around him, but without doing him tho
smallest injury. Wherever he struck with his scimetar, death fol-
lowed the blow. His track was marked with blood ; but the num-
ber of fishes seemed still to increase. They pressed upon him, in
every direction, being confined by the barriers that prevented
their escape.

The warrior covered the sea with the dead bodies of the mon-
sters, and fatigued himself in vain, while the scaly legions that
surrounded him seemed every moment reinfoaced. At last he
raised his head above the heaps of slain that floated about him.
' In the name of Solomon," cried he, u by whatever charm thc.se

ENTERTAINMENTS. 415

fishes ire confined here, let it be destroyed, and let them be dis
persed through the vast regions of the deep !"

This command was followed with immediate effect. A tumultu-
ous motion of the waves announced the retreat of the aquatic
animals, and the whole crowd instantly disappeared. Habib, now
swimming amidst a calm sea, only saw about him the dead fishes
that lay motionless on the water. Whatever possessed life had
escaped. The three sisters beheld what passed, from the summit
of a rock. Ilzaide cried out with terror as often as she observed
the sea stained with blood; but when she saw the arm and the
sword of the hero above water, ' Thank Heaven !" cried she, " that
blood is none of his ! ?; The sea was now smooth, and she observed
that the knight directed his course toward the opposite shore.
" See," cried Ilzaide, " see, he attempts to brave the waves, and
cross the sea by swimming ; he will certainly perish." She
plunged into the water, that she might fly to his aid. Her sisters
called to her in vain, and at last threw themselves into the sea
after her. Nor were they her only followers two dolphins who
had been disentangled from the raft, and who delighted to sport
around their young mistress, were at her side. The tranquil
waters opposed not the course of such dexterous swimmers, and
they proceeded with astonishing rapidity.

Ilzaide expected soon to reach the object of her anxiety, and
offer him assistance ; but in a moment the hero plunged under
the water, and disappeared. She dived at the same time, and wit-
nessed the horrible conflict.

Habib was now engaged with Abarikaff himself, who had enter-
ed into the body of a whale, and exerted his utmost efforts. Wheu
the hero advanced, the prodigious animal opened its enormous
jaws, and poured forth a torrent of water which seemed to over-
whelm him ; but Habib soon appeared above the waves, and leap-
ing on the back of the monster, with his irresistible schnetar
pierced the heart of the vast animated mass with which he con-
tended.

The huge monster began to struggle, covering the sea with blood
and froth, and in an instant sunk to the bottom. Habib, unable to
breathe in the watery element, was forced to rise to the surface,
but he still followed the bloody track of his wounded enemy.
When his strength was nearly exhausted, Ilzaide came up to him :
'* Brave knight," cried she, ' mount on one of these dolphins. You

416 ARABIAN EIGHTS'

are too adventurous How is it possible that you, \\hose nature is
no more than human, should thus risk yourself in the open sea,
and do as you have done ! j;

The Arabian prince thanked Heaven for its protection, and for
the aid now sent him. He followed the advice of Ilzaide, and
seated on the dolphin, observed at his ease the consequences of the
terrible combat, in which he had been victorious. When Abari-
kaff attacked the hero, he was attended by other rebel jienii, ac-
complices of his crimes, who had assumed hideous forms like his
own. But his danger made the others betake themselves to flight \

Struck with terror they only thought of making their escape.
They endeavored to leave the bodies of those whales, sword-fishes,
sharks, and sea-lions, of which they had taken possession by their
enchantment, but a more potent charm retained them. It was the
hair of the fair queen, of which Habib had thrown a portion into
the sea. in a moment of enthusiasm. ' May those hairs," cried he,
rt bind as many slaves to God. in the name of Solomon, as the
wicked Nisabic hoped to subject by their means to his own
power !"

The charm attached to these hairs had operated, and from that
moment the genii were held captives in the bodies of the monsters
into which they had entered.

The whale possessed by Abarikaff, exhausted by the loss of its
blood, now lay without motion on the surface of the water, and
appeared like a floating island. The Arabian knight sprang from
his dolphin, and mounted on the back of his vanquished enemy,
where he gave thanks to God for his victory.

" My confidence," cried he, ' is in thee alone ! I fear not to
plunge into the abysses of the deep. Even there hast thou thus
opened my eyes, and given strength to my arm ! 1 have attacked
this enormous monster, and my sword has pierced his heart. When
my powers sunk under fatigue, thou didst send me relief. A child
in thy hand is more powerful than a legion of the wicked ! ;j

Ilzaide, emboldened by the sight of the valiant prince, leaped
uldo on the back of the vast fish. Her sisters came up, attended
by six other dolphins, and were prevailed on to follow the example
of It/aide.

In the meantime the enormous mass which bore them was driven
along the current of the tide, and passed the channel which led to
the Black Isles. Habib, after receiving with modesty the congrat-

ENTERTAINMKNTS 417

ulations of his companions on his recent victories, asked them
what country it was he discerned in the edge of the horizon. "It
is the isle of Medinaz-il-ballor," said the eldest sister, "in the
capital of which dwells our amiable queen, Dorathil-goase."

At hearing this discourse, Ilabib could not contain his joy.
' How,' ; cried he, " do I then at last behold that long looked-for
country ? How happy would I be, could I conduct the monster
under our foet into the port of your queen. What an agreeable
sight it might afford her; for I believe the rebel Abarikaff lies
chained in the belly of this whale. n

"Your wish may be accomplished," said the eldest of the three
sisters : tl though the raft will be rather unwieldy. We will go to
the bottom of the sea in search of marine plants, of which we may
form a harness to yoke our dolphins." In a moment they plunged
into the water and disappeared.

By their address and activity, they soon obtained what they
sought. The dolphins were yoked, and the body of the whale, no
longer impelled by the current, now took its course toward the
harbor of Medinaz-il-ballor.

Heavy groans issued from the bowels of the enormous carcass,
with a hollow sound, resembling the rushing of the waves when
they are dashed into some profound cavern of the rocks on the
shore. Abarikaif saw himself about to be delivered up to the ven-
geance of Illabousatrous and Dorathil-goase, from whom he ex-
pected no mercy.

In the meantime the huge mass which approached the shore of
the isle of Medinaz-il-ballor attracted the notice of Ilbaccaras,
whose office it was to keep watch over all the territories of Dora-
thil-goase adjacent to the coast of the Black Isle. That vizier,
transformed into a bird, had taken his station on the middle region
of the island, the inferior parts of the country being infested by
parties of the rebels. He observed some commotion in the sea;
but could not, on account of the distance, distinguish the cause.
He, however, saw what appeared like a point, detach itself and
float on the water. He ventured to descend from his post, and was
surprised to find that the air was entirely free ; yet he was still
suspicious of some secret snare, and approached with great caution
toward the earth. All the vapors that hud covered the coast of
Medinaz-il-ballor, and the neighboring sea, had now retired to the
Black Isle, which seemed overwhelmed by the thick cloud.

18*

418 ARABIAN RIGHTS'

By degrees the small point seemed to extend as it aj preached
them, and at last it appeared like a floating isle, capable of chok-
ing up the harbor of Medinaz-il-ballor. Nor did this island seem
uninhabited, though otherwise entirely barren. On making this dis-
covery, he instantly flew to inform Dorathil-goase of what he had seen.

" Great queen, ;; cried he, " I come to inform you, that I have
just now observed some extraordinary appearances on the sea that
separates us from the Black Isle. Early this morning I perceived
a great commotion in the waves, which was not occasioned by the
winds, for they moved in an opposite direction. An island, soon
after, arose from the bosom of the deep, which has continued to
advance, by what means I know not, toward your port. It is of a
size sufficient to fill up the whole harbor ; and I saw on its surface
beings of a human form. Besides, Abarikaff has removed all his
sentinels from their posts. The whole force of the enemy has re-
tired to the Black Isle, which seems involved in darkness.

" This floating isle may be intended to promote some new strata-
gem of the enemy, which he has artfully concealed under an ap-
pearance'not very alarming. At any rate, since this must be the
work of enchantment, you ought to take every measure your pru-
dence can suggest to guard against its effects."

Dorathil-goase commanded that her two ministers and her grand-
father should be informed of this affair. In an instant, the coast
was covered with all the warriors of the island.

Illabousatrous assembled all the genii that remained faithful to
him, that he might be enabled to repel the attacks of Abarikaff,
and the other wicked spirits which had joined in his revolt.
Every preparation was made in the city of Medinaz-il-ballor, for
the most vigorous defence, in case the vast mass which approached,
should contain a numerous army of hostile spirits ready to be
poured forth on their coast.

Habib, whose eyes were constantly fixed on the place where he
hoped to see the charming object of his love, soon guessed the
cause of the warlike preparations he remarked on the shore. As
they entered the road of Medinaz, they happened to pass near a
email island covered with mangroves.* The young prince cut a

* The mangrove, or mangle, is a beautiful marine plant or tree, common in the
East Indies. It rises to the height of forty or fifty feet, and only grows in such
places as are washed hy the tide twice a day. The bark of a particular species in
much used for making ropes.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 419

branch with his scimetar and presented it to Ilzaide. Go," said
he, " charming maid ! carry this branch as an ensign of peace, and
demand an audience of the queen Dorathil-goase ; tell her tnat
an Arabian knight, whose life is devoted to her service, entreats
her permission to throw himself at her feet."

Ilzaide took the branch, and dived into the sea. She halted to
adjust her di ess under a rock that protected the mouth of the har-
bor. She then emerged from the water, displaying the mangrove
branch in her hand, and required the guard to conduct her into
the presence of the queen. It is impossible to describe the trans-
ports of joy with which Dorathil-goase received the message of the
fair ambassadress. Her first minister, however, restrained her
from flying to the shore, as she intended. " Madam," said ho,
"your enemy knows that your destiny promises you a deliverer
from Arabia ; this may be a plot conducted under the mask of in-
nocence and simplicity. The vehicle which brings your knight,
appears very suspicious. Suffer me to put some questions to his
ambassadress.

" Young daughter of the sea ! (for such you are from your ap
pearance,) canst thou tell us by what means the knight who has
sent you proposes to arrive on our island ? He cannot come ashore
on his floating island without overwhelming our harbor."

<; Then you take for an island," answered Ilzaide, " that great
ugly whale which I saw him kill ; and on the back of which my
two sisters and I mounted along with him ! He told us, that that
enormous monster was the queen's greatest enemy, and he wished
to present him to her."

" And dost thou not recognize Habib by this exploit ?" asked the
queen eagerly, addressing herself to her minister.

" Not yet, madam," answered he, " Abarikafi' may come and
take possession of your port under the form of a whale, that he
may subject you to his power, and afterward give you laws in his
own name."

" Abarikaff !' ; repeated Ilzaide with vivacity, " he and his vile
crew have done us much mischief; but I hope he shall do us no
more. I believe it is himself who groans in the belly of the whale
at least the hero says so. 7 '

" And pray thee, young woman, who is the hero ?' ; resumed the
vizier

" It is he," answered Ilzaide, with a degree of enthusiasm, "it ia

420 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

he who killed the monstrous shark, Racachik, his son, the tiger, and
the huge giant clad in steel armor ! It is he who delivered the
lady of the beautiful tresses ; he, in short, who has vanquished all
the monsters that oppressed us. Whatever he performed he did
in the name of our queen Dorathil-goase. My sisters call him a
hero: I know not what that means: but if you loved him half as
much as I do, you would fly this moment to meet him ! J;

Dorathil-goase, notwithstanding her anxiety, could not help
smiling at this sally of simplicity, uttered in praise of the idol of
her soul. " Take your flight," said she to Ilbaccaras, u and present
yourself before Habib, in your natural form. Cause him to be
oommodiously conducted hither by two of your genii ; and take
care to have the whale dragged out upon the sand."

" My sisters." said Ilzaide, <; have always attended the hero ; I
pray you, madam, let them come along with him they would be
sorry to part from him."

11 Yes, my dear girl," answered the queen. " let them come.
Your sisters shall be as welcome as yourself; you shall each ot
you be received with kindness."

" Ilbaccaras departed, and was satisfied to find that the fair am-
bassadress remained as a hostage. He could now no longer doubt
the truth of her report.

Ilbousatrous arrived. (i I have this moment been assured, my
dear child !" cried he, " that you are about to receive your Arabian
knight, your deliverer, who has restored to you all the dominions
you have lost, and re-established your authority.

The young queen felt such an ecstacy of joy that she could scarcely
contain her emotions. She commanded her vizier, and requested her
grandfather, to give the necessary orders for the triumphant recep-
tion of her knight, her avenger, her lover, her husband. She made
Ilzaide recount to her all the circumstances of his adventures.
During the recital she was alternately agitated with transports of
joy and emotions of tenderness.

Ilbaccaras had now met the hero. He proposed to carry him
immediately into the queen's palace. li My duty and my regard to
her interests," said Habib, " still demand my presence for a few
moments. You may drag the whale ashore ; but I must be present
while you do so. My impatience has, on a former occasion, led
me into an error : I must now guard against it. I suspect that the
cruel enemy of your queen still lies in the bowels of the monster

ENTERTAINMENTS 421

lie had raised up against me. I must be assured that his power ia
destroyed, in order to acquit myself of my duty as the servant of
Solomon, as well as to secure the peace of your sovereign." II-
baccaras caused the whale to be drawn to a sloping part of the
shore, where, by redoubled efforts, it was at last brought to land.
Habib approached it, and spoke thus with a firm tone: "Vile
enemy of God !" said he, addressing the monster, tl rebel against
him and his prophets ! apostate from the law to which thou art
subjected art thou concealed in the entrails of this fish ?" A
sound resembling the gnashing of teeth proceeded from the belly
of the enormous animal. ft Speak," cried Habib, " or I will devote
thee to the cruelest punishments !" At last a dismal and plain-
tive " Yes," was utterred from the jaws of the monster.

The knight then took from his bosom the remaining portion of
the lady's hair: ''May the projects of the wicked spirits,"' said he,
now be executed against themselves. May each of these haira
become a chain of iron, to deprive them of all action ! Mayest
thou be delivered over, thou and all thy slaves, to the servants of
Solomon, and hurled into the lowest dungeons of Caucasus !"

While Habib pronounced this command, he twisted the hairs
about the fins of the whale. The enormous mass made an effort
as if alive ; but it was not repeated. The hairs of the lady of
the beautiful tresses suddenly disappeared, and were, no doubt,
employed as the hero had ordered "My queen is safe," said
Habib to Ilbaccaras, " let me now have the happiness of seeing
her ] conduct me, I pray thee, to her presence."

While the Arabian knight was taking measures to secure the
tranquillity of Dorathil-goase and her subjects, preparations were
made in the palace, and in the city of Medinaz-ii-ballor, for the
triumphant entry of their victorious deliverer and avenger, who was
soon to become their sovereign. The lovely queen strove to divert
her impatience and tender solicitude, by making Il/aide repeat
whatever she knew of her dear knight ; his minutest actions, hia
words, and even the most trifling circumstances that the young
lady could recollect with regard to him, were eagerly listened to
by the queen.

As night had come on, Ilabib was conducted to his apartment
through the most superb illuminations. The royal magnificence
displayed on the occasion might admit of description ; but words
are. insufficient to describe the transports of joy and respectful

422 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

love, which inspired Ilabib, or the tender sensibility of the young
and beautiful queen. Never did love light up a purer flame, never
did Fate conjoin two hearts more perfectly congenial. So much
beauty, so many virtues and accomplishments, were scarce ever
united to such merit and valor.

Habib felt an ecstacy of joy, and declared his happiness to be
complete. Dorathil-goase, who was no less pleased, exclaimed,
*'Have I then no more to offer you, my dear Habib, than my heart,
my hand, and my crown ? A poor recompense these, for such im-
portant services, and for the dangers you have encountered for my
sake ? A reward how inadequate for such heroic virtue !"

The evening of their meeting was also that of their nuptials.
The same night that had brought them together as happy lovers, also
witnessed the ceremony which perpetuated their union ; and the
morning sun beheld the completion of their felicity, and the joy
of the w T hole island of Medinaz.

But the happiness of Habib did not make him forgetful of the
obligations he had come under. The Prince Dal-Ilsha, husband
to the lady of the beautiful tresses, still languished in the dun-
geons of the Black Isle ; and that unhappy country, though no
longer invested with the enormities and the presence of Abarikaff,
was still, without doubt, in very great disorder.

Habib had pledged his word to the lady of the beautiful tresses,
that he would deliver her husband from his oppressor. He is des-
tined by the stars to establish peace in the whole dominions of
Dorathil-goase ; nor need he employ other means than those which
fate has put into his hands, to pursue and accomplish his adven-
tures.

The three daughters of the sea were in the palace of Dorathil-
goase. who had loaded them with favors, when Habib thus addressed
the eldest : " We have," said he, " some vessels here, which might
convey us to the Black Isle ; but I prefer your invention, which
has already been so serviceable to us. When an affair is regulated
by fate, its accomplishment is often made to depend on circum-
stances so trivial, and on the employment of means apparently so
insignificant, that weak man knows not to what he should attribute
the success. Endeavor then, ladies, I pray you, to find our raft,
if it be not easier for you 'to form another. I shall never be sit
ease till I have dried up the tears of the lady of the beautiful
tresses, and till I have removed the disorders which still disturb
tbo repose of my remaining subjects in the Black Isle."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 423

The three sisters received this proposal with joy. They saw
themselves associated in the glory of HaLib. Ilzaide had appear-
ed rather dejected since the marriage of the hero; but as her es-
teem was sincere, she still loved him with all her heart, though
she saw his hand bestowed on another, whose superior beauty and
merit she could not dispute.

Habib called his charming queen to assist at the council he held
with the fair companions of his adventures : and it was resolved
that they should set out on their journey as soon as the raft was
ready. Dorathil-goase, however, proposed that she should mount
on her roc, and hover about the raft to give notice in case of the
approach of danger. Ilbaecaras, one of the genii who was most
attached to her, and for w r hom she had the greatest esteem, to-
gether with two other genii, were appointed to attend her on the
journey.

Next morning the raft was ready, and Habib put to sea about
sun-rise. The dolphins, by which it was drawn, seemed to re-
double their exertions and swiftness, and the coast of the Black
Isle soon came into view. Ilbaccaras observed with pleasure, and
made the queen also remark, that the coast was entirely free from
those black vapors which had formerly rendered the aspect of the
place so dismal.

Habib landed without difficulty or opposition. He met only
with a few of the wretched and half-starved inhabitants wandering
about the shore. He called them together, and inquired what
news they had of Abarikaff, their tyrant. " He is vanquished,' 7
said they, "at least we have reason to think so, from the terrible
cries of his attendants. 'Twas but the day before yesterday we
were obliged to flee to the mountains. In an instant, a multitude
of the most hideous sea-monsters had covered the coast. Their
fury was inconceivable ; they fought, and tore each other in pieces
and the sand on the shore is yet stained with their blood. We,
who have been so long the unhappy slaves of those monsters, were
glad to escape their fury, and to turn our eyes from a spectacle
so horrible. Their roaring, their yells, reiterated by numerous
echoes, still resounded in our ears and continued to terrify us,
when suddenly we thought we saw a glance of lightning, and the
whole noise ceased. We passed the night in the greatest disquiet
and in continual alarm, from the impression of terror which still
remained on our minds ; but this morning we could perceive no-

424 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

thing else but the infectious vapors that arose from the blood
which those monsters had shed. Had it not been dried up ly the
sun and happily driven off by the wind, the island might have
been rendered uninhabitable."

While Habib held this conference with the inhabitants, the roc
hovered over the island; and the unhappy people, terrified by so
many prodigies, lifted their eyes toward that object with an air o
consternation and solicitude. But the knight removed their fears.
u You see nothing here,'' said he, l ' that should alarm you. I am
the husband of Dorathil-goase, your queen. The object you seo
in the air, is the roc, on whose back your queen, my royal con-
sort, is seated ; she comes with me to afford you that assistance
which you need so much at present, and to establish peace and
good order among you. But," asked he, " where is AbarikafPs
palace ?"

<4 Sir," answered the inhal Hants, " we are ourselsves at a loss
what to think on the subject. It stood here, on this plain, and
now we cannot discover the least vestige of it. It assumed va-
rious fantastic shapes, and changed its form almost every day.
When it was on the land, it sometimes looked like a fierce mastiff
of enormous size : in the air, it usually had the appearance of a
prodigious bird, and in the sea it resembled a whale."

" He had some prisoners, too," continued Habib. " What has
become of them ?" " Sir/' answered they, " if any persons have
been so unhappy as to be detained in his gripe, they must be in a
very languishing and miserable state. The tyrant would not suffer
them to die ; but neither would he allow them to live."

" Do you know the prince Dal-Ilsha ?" resumed Habib. " We
have heard of him, sir. lie was loaded with chains on account
of his wife's beautiful hair, which the tyrant and his attendants
wished to obtain ; but which he would never consent to grant
them." <; Go," said Habib, ' search for him everywhere. I shall
reward the man who discovers to me the unfortunate prince."

The inhabitants obeyed, and soon found Dal-Ilsha stretched on
the grass, on the spot where the dungeons formed by the enchant-
ments of Abarakiff were situated, near his palace. They instantly
made a sort of litter, and bore the emaciated prince into the pre-
sence of Habib and his companions.

The daughters of the sea were not backward in affording their
assistance to an object so worthy of their compassion. Dora

ENTERTAINMENTS. 425

thil-goase observed from her elevation the stir which this affair
occasioned. Curious to know the cause, and secure against every
apprehension of danger by the presence of the hero, she made
the roc to descend near the busy scene which had attracted her
attention. She imrnediatily joined the three sisters in their care
of the unfortunate prince. Ilbaccaras, too, offered his help; and
by means of powerful elixirs, they so far restored the husband of
the lady of the beautiful tresses, that he \vas able to rise up to
speak, and thank his benefactors for their good offices.

He was made acquainted with the happy deliverance of his
spouse, and of his subjects ; he learned that it \vas owing to the
knight who stood before him. and who was now the husband of
Dorathil-goase his kinswoman. He expressed the deepest sense of
gratitude to his benefactors, and the joy which he felt at seeing
them; he added, that he was impatient to fly to embrace his
spouse.

It was necessary in the meantime, that Dorathil-goase and
Habib should settle the government of the Black Isle ; and this
was devolved on Ilbaccaras. Here an opportunity was offered of
rewarding the daughters of the sea ; and the Arabian knight ac-
cordingly bestowed the hand of the eldest on the new viceroy.
Ilzaide, without envying the good fortune of her sister, rejoiced
at the match. She, indeed, thought no marriage "desirable, unless
it were with a hero. She joined heartily in the mirth and festivity
at her sister's wedding, without losing sight, however, of her fa-
vorite project of espousing none but a brave knight.

The island had been desolated during the reign of the rebel
genii; and the nobles assembled in order to concert with their new
chief the means of restoring confidence and happiness to the peo-
ple. Dorathil-goase having taken these precautions, resolved, that
in the course of visiting the several islands under her dominion, she
would carry the Prince Dal-Ilsha to the Green Island, stopping, as
he passed, at the Blue Isle, in order that when he joined his spouse
he might be enabled to take proper measures for re-establishing an
intercourse by sea between those islands.

Next morning Habib and his two sisters put to sea on the raft
The roc ascended into the air. Dal-Ilsha, somewhat recovered
from his long and severe sufferings, accompanied the queen ; and
tee rapidity of the voyage was favored by the calms which pre-
vailed at that season.

426 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

The two sovereigns, and the prince their tributary, found the
people of the Blue Isle diligently employed in rebuilding their
dwellings. Anxious to guard against troubles like those which they
had so frequently experienced, the inhabitants wished nothing
more than a re-establishment of those wise laws by which they
were governed before the rebellion.

A fisher's boat, the only vessel in the Green Island, had been
despatched by the lady of the beautiful tresses with an assurance
that she would soon be ready to divide with their friends the trea-
sures found in the tyrant's steel castle ; and that she only waited
till a vessel was built in which she might venture to sea.

Dal-Ilsha acknowledged the prudent foresight of his spouse.
Habib and Dorathil-goase approved of it no less, and they agreed
to set out instantly for the Green Island.

Now were the tears of the lady of the beautiful tresses to be
dried up now was she again to see her beloved husband, who had
been so cruelly ravished from her. The two charming cousins em-
brace, shed tears of affection, and their valiant deliverer partici-
pates in their tender emotions.

It was next resolved to visit the White and Yellow Isles. The
two kinswomen were inseparable, and this seems to have been a
condition agreed upon at undertaking the voyage.

When the traveller arrived at the White Isle, Dorathil-goase,
who was constantly inquiring into the particulars of Habib's ad-
ventures and exploits, turned her eye toward the summit of Mount
Caucasus, which was partly concealed in the clouds. u Is it not
there," said she, " where dwells our faithful II Haboul ? Since we
are thus far, my dear Habib, and since we have discovered the re-
treat of our best friend, how can we return without paying him
the tribute of gratitude for the many services he has done us ?
Leave your raft to the daughters of the sea, mount with me upon the
roc, and to vary our pleasures, let us now go and taste the sweets of
friendship." The desire of the lovely queen was seconded by the
ardent wishes of her husband, and the journey was determined on.

As they approached the steep cliffs which face the sea on the side
of Mount Caucasus, Habib pointed out to his queen the place where,
after his escape from the caverns, he received assistance from the
daughters of the sea. The tender Dorathil-goase trembled at the
idea of her lover's situation in such a horrible abode. While they
hovered over the summit of Caucasus, he made her remark a part

ENTERTAINMENTS. 427

of the deserts which he had traversed. " I am charmed," said he,
" that my queen can thus see at what price I have purchased my
present happiness ; but that is so great that I now forget the pains
and trouble it has cost me. 7 '

In the meantime, the vast bird glided over the highest top of
Caucasus, and lowering his flight set down the travellers at the
entrance of II Ilaboul's cavern. That good genie had already been
informed that something approached in the air, which seemed to
come toward his abode ; and to whom else could such a visit be
intended, in a place absolutely inaccessible to the human race.

He stood near the rock which concealed the entrance to his
cavern. According to his custom he perfumed the air with a pan
of incense, which, by enchantment, mitigated the rigor of the
climate in that region of eternal frost. He was soon informed by
one of his servants, that Habib and Dorathil-goase were the guests
he was to entertain. This also made him acquainted with the
union of those lovers.

He came up to receive the queen, assisted her to descend from
her roc, affectionately pressed the hand of Habib, expressed hia
satisfaction at seeing Dal-Ilsha and his spouse, made the whole
company enter into the interior part of his dwelling, and seated
them at a table already covered for them.

The roc, which had been bred on Caucasus, was no stranger ia
this place. II Haboul soon learned the principal events of the
successful expedition of his young disciple against the revolted
genii. He already knew the greater part of them. The gates of
the cavern, which faced the sea, had been for some time opened
every hour for the reception of prisoners, who were sent in the
name of Habib. The criminal Abarikaff, and all the revolted
chiefs, were among the number.

When he had learned from his guest everything he had thought
worthy of inquiry, when they had all enjoyed the pleasures of
friendship and mutual confidence, he conducted Dorathil-goase and
the lady of the beautiful tresses to a commodious apartment fitted
up for their reception. He then took aside Ilabib and Dal-Ilsha,
and thus addressed the former : "My dear pupil, for I must hence-
forth esteem it an honor to have been your instructor, you have
hitherto acquitted yourself well in the noble though laborious parts
which fate has allotted to you. What remains for you now to per-
form, is only to satisfy the feelings of duty and natural affection.

428 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

I must, therefore, make you acquainted with a part of the history
of your family, which will no doubt be very afflicting to you."

Habib looked on him with astonishment and anxiety. il Con-
tinue," said the genie, "to show yourself worthy of Dorathil-
goase, of the great Salamis your father, of the favors of Heaven,
and of the peculiar protection of the Prophet Solomon. Arm your
soul with new courage, fortify yourself against an excess of sen-
siblity. He alone who. can bravely suffer under misfortune, is
fitted to encounter and surmount difficulties."

After this preamble, II Haboul informed Habib of the account
the twenty knights had given to Salamis on their return. At the
same time he described the afflictions and despair of his tender and
virtuous parent, on hearing of the death of a beloved son, the only
hope, and comfort of his declining years. "His grief," said he,
" was so severe, that his eyes became two fountains of tears, the
acrimony of which soon extinguished his sight.

" Being unable, by reason of this defect, to exert his wonted
activity and courage, a tributary prince, whom he had formerly
subdued by his arms, raised the standard of rebellion against hist
master, and engaged others in the revolt. Those who had remained
faithful to him were defeated in several battles ; and as he has re-
ceived little aid from his allies, he is now in danger of falling into
the hands of the enemy."

While II Haboul made his recital, Habib felt the strongest
emotions; for his soul was swayed by the most violent, as well as
the noblest passions ; but he suppressed his feelings, being already
armed against them.

"Command me! my dear tutelary genie," cried he, -'and you
shall see then that I still know my duty." " Mark then what I shall
say," answered II Haboul. "You have an easy mode of travel-
ling, and you must set out for Arabia immediately. Your father,
it is true, has lost his sight, but his eyes are not entirely destroyed.
The remedy by which they will be restored must be applied by tho
same hand that occasioned the misfortune, that is, the hand of.
Dorathil-goase.

li This secret remedy is to be found among the treasures of Solo-
mon, and there you must go and search for it. It is now neither
dangerous nor difficult for you to approach them. The word
written on the talisman is the only key necessary ; besides, the
Laborer of the Prophet has undoubted privilege of being admitted
to his shrine."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 429

" But/' said Habib, "if I depart with my queen, what must be-
come of Dal-Ilsha and his spouse ? How can they attend us, while
their presence is so necessary in their own kingdom and who
could quiet the fears of the people in mine, during our absence."

" When you advanced toward Caucasus, in your distress, my
dear Habib, how did I contrive to lend you my aid ? The samo
means still remain with me. I can send back the lady of the beau-
tiful tresses and her husband, in safety to the Green Island. The
same slave of the Prophet who re-conducts them on the roc, will
convey information concerning you to Ilabousatrous, your grand-
father, and to your viziers. You may, therefore, proceed with
tranquillity on your way to Arabia. I cannot now accompany you
thither. My duty retains me in this place, and my business has
been more than doubled since your expeditions. I found it, indeed,
altogether impossible to comfort your affectionate father, by telling
him what news I could of your exploits.

'' If you are willing," continued II Haboul, ' to follow my advice,
you will not alight at first in your father's territories. You will
conduct your spouse to the little cottage in the mountain, which
was once our retreat. As nothing there could excite the avarice
of the plunderers, it has escaped their fury during the rebellion.
The furniture which Dorathil-goase carries along with her travel-
ling pavilion, will serve for her accommodation ; nor need you fear
that the granddaughter of a genie will suffer from want, where
there is such plenty offish, game, and delicious fruits.

"You will be under the necessity," added the genie, "when you
enter the treasury of Solomon, there to deposit the scimetar which
you was permit' ed to use in subduing his enemies. It is not an
ordinary weapon ; and I know you desire no other advantage over
enemies who are your equals, than such as may be obtained by
prudence, experience, and superior courage. But you must not
venture into the camp unarmed, for hostilities may perhaps be un-
avoidable. I will, therefore, present you with two complete suits
of armor, formed in the Parthian manner, and resembling those I
wore when I appeared in front of your camp ; to this shall be
added the trappings and coverlets for your horses and of these
things you can make whatever use your prudence may suggest."

" My dear II Haboul," said Habib, " my heart yearns toward my
father. Henceforth I shall hold my life of no estimation, till I
have brought, him relief. Show me, I pray you, the path which

130 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

may conduct me to the talisman, that shall restore sight to the au-
thor of my days. A moment's delay would pain me to the heart;
and I am sure that Dorathil-goase will participate in .my impa-
tience."

The charming queen was, no douht, well disposed to enter into
the views of a husband, to whom she was entirely devoted, and in
whose concerns she was so deeply interested. Preparations were
therefore made for the journey.

Habib descended iuto the cavern, where were deposited the arms
of Solomon. None presumed to dispute his entrance. When he
approached the trophy of arms, to which he was to affix the schne-
tar, he observed on the casque two beautiful oval stones, of a flat
shape, which were connected by a gold wire, and of a size sufficient
to cover the eyes of a man. His sight was dazzled with their
lustre. He Knew them to be the talisman for which he looked he
took them up and retired, regretting that he could no longer re-
main in a place where he was likely to reap so much instruction.
His sense of filial duty, at that moment, suppressed his curiosity.
His only wish was to see Dal-Ilsha and his spouse depart, that he
might fly instantly to gratify those feelings of natural affection by
which he was irresistibly impelled.

But one care still remained to make him uneasy. He had left
the two daughters of the sea in the White Island. He, therefore,
engaged the prince and his fair spouse to halt at that island, in
order to carry the two ladies along with them.

Next morning, at day-break, the two rocs ascended into the aii,
and took opposite courses.

Toward the evening of the third day, the children of Salamis
came in sight of his tents. The prodigious bird, on which they sat,
alighted near the palisadoes which guarded the entrance to the
little cottage, formed by Habib and II Haboul, as a place of re-
treat.

The happy pair entered it. The genie, who guided the roc, un-
loaded the animal, turned him out to search for food, and instinct
taught him to find it. Habib and Dorathil-goase impatiently wait-
ed the return of day ; and, as soon as it appeared, they lost no
time in proceeding to their purpose.

It was thought necessary that Habib should be disguised when
he entered his father's tents, that he might not too suddenly sur-
prise his fond parents. He soon obtained a disguise suitable to his
design

ENTERTAINMENTS. 431

He accidentally found, among his ancient utensils, a pair of old
sandals in which he used to work these were his shoes ; the skiu
of a goat flung over his shoulders, and another girt about his loins,
made up his dress.

He stained his neck and face with a yellow-colored earth, which
concealed the natural tint of his skin ; he disordered his hair and
liis beard ; and, having a dagger in his girdle, a staff in his hand,
and a basket of fruit on his arm. he passed the entrenchments, and
arrived at the entrance to the tents which belonged to his mother'!
slave.

He there espied a large flat stone, on which he sat down , and,
placing his basket of fruit between his feet, lie leaned forward as
if asleep.

Several slaves passed and repassed ; but he had not yet seen her
to whom he intended to communicate his secret. At last she came,
and he called her by name, for she had beeahis governess : " Esek !
Esek!' ; " You .know me, then, young man/' said the good old
lady. "Yes," answered Habib, "and if you will follow me behind
that great tree, I'll tell you news that will rejoice our masters.
Put my basket into your tent ; and if you are not satisfied with my
discourse, both it and the fruit it contains shall be yours.' ;

The old woman, more from curiosity than avarice, took the fruit,
and retired with him behind the tree, which was close by the back
of the tent, and concealed them from the view of passengers during
their conversation. ll Come," said she, " what have you got to tell
me ? pray, begin."

""Will you promise," said he, '' in case what I may say shall give
you extreme pleasure, that you will not cry out nor make the least
noise ?"

"Very fine, indeed/' said the old lady, '-'you are then so elo-
quent, are you ? One could not guess it, truly, from your cloak,
or your sandals. Pray, have you often made people cry, only by
talking to them ?"

" No, good woman ; but if you don't take care, you will be the
first." ft But," thinks she, " how comes it, that this vagrant, witlijiia
basket of plums, talks so familiarly with me, and calls me good
woman, yet I am not offended ?" " Have done," said she, aloud,
"tell me quickly this secret, which you say will give me so much
pleasure." " Did you love poor Habib-?" " Then you come hero
to make me weep ?" " On the contrary, if you love him, be sow
forted, for he still lives."

432 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

While he uttered these words, he seized her by the hands and
prevented her crying out.

" Silence, silence, my good old friend ! make no bustle, I myself
am Habib. I will show you the mark on my neck, and the other
on my breast ; I will sing you the little song with which I used to
eutertain you."

" How ! how !" cried the old governess in transports, when she
heard the sound of his well-known voice j but Habib suppressed
her cries by putting his hand upon her mouth.

" Beware," said he, " you will kill my mother with surprise. I
oome to deliver my father from the hands of his enemies ; but my
Design would be defeated, were they to discover that I am here.

" Be silent, then ; for God's sake, be silent, my dear governess.
Show me where I may conceal myself. If I cannot enter by the
door, I will find a passage some other way. I must instruct you
in what manner you are to communicate the news of rhy arrival,
so as to occasion no sudden surprise to -my father and mother. It
is necessary, too, that it should remain a profound secret among us
four."

The faithful slave of Amirala was almost suffocated with her
tears. Unable to utter a syllable, she could only lead her dear
Habib into her tent, where no person happened to be at the time.
He there taught her how to prepare his mother for receiving the
glad news, and concealed himself in the best manner he could,
His governess, in the meantime, went to watch an opportunity of
speaking to Amirala, who scarcely ever quitted Salamis.

Habib remained alone, indulging melancholy reflections, and
comparing the formidable state of his father's camp at the time
he left it, with its present pitiful condition.

Scarce a fourth part remained. He was no longer contented
with ordinary barriers ; he was surrounded with strong entrench-
ments. Whatever military operations were going on seemed to
be merely defensive.

It is impossible to describe the impatience of the hero to em-,
brace and console his afflicted parents ; to restore sight to the
honored author of his life ; and to punish those mean and un-
grateful rebels, who, taking advantage of their sovereign's in-
firmity, had thrown off his allegiance, and even threatened his
personal liberty.

Happily, those painful reflections were soon interrupted by the
return of the old governess.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 43.S

Sleep had for some time suspended the cares of the venerihle
emir; and Amirala retired into her own tent to take a little re-
freshment and repose.

Her faithful slave followed her. When they were alone, "Madam."
paid she, " I know you put some confidence in my dreams. I have
long had none but such as were unhappy, and those, alas, have
been too often verified. My last, however, has filled my mind
with comfort and hope.

. " The twenty knights, who accompanied our child to the desert,
have been first cowards, and afterward liars. Our dear Ilabib is
not dead. He is well. I kissed the marks he bears on his neck
and breast."

"And will your dreaming that you kissed those marks," cried
Amirala, "make the knights liars, and restore our child to life ?"

"0, madam," answered the good woman, " I embraced him in
my arms, and he pressed me to his heart, which beat very quick;
it was not the heart of a dead man, madam, I assure you."

" But where, when did you dream all this ?"

" Just now, madam. Drink this cup of cold water, and I will
tell you the rest."

Amirala drank the water. lt "Well," said the old woman, " there
will be no danger now to speak plainly ; but beware, madam, of
an excess of joy."

" Know then, that I did not dream ; I saw him. I embraced
our Habib himself. He is here, and "resides in what he calls his
little mountain retreat. There stands a basket of plums, which he
has brought from thence. He came disguised into the camp, like
a poor peasant, with his face bedaubed with clay. He is resolved
to make himself known to none but his father and us. He told
me it was for the good of his father's affairs to keep his arrival
secret. Our Ilabib, you know, is wise ; his advice must be fol-
lowed."

Notwithstanding the precaution of the glass of water. Amirala's
spirits began to fail. She cast her eyes on the basket, and could
only utter these words : " Here are plums from his garden !' ? The
governess then made her smell some fragrant essences. " Take
courage, madam," said she, " much happiness a.waits us, which
may compensate our past sufferings ; my Ilabib told me so. Your
eyes shall this night behold the heavens, and you shall not there
find a star that is not for us !' ;

19

434 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

u But where, where is he ?" said Amirala, when she rewn ered
the use of speech. "In my tent, behind the great bulrush hamper,
which contained the stuffs you received from Chiraz. Take heart,
madam, come with me and see him. We will shut ourselves up
with him; we will comb his hair; we will wash his face; and
I am much deceived if we do not find him more beautiful than
over."

Amirala made trial of her strength. She was conducted with
difficulty to the tent of the kind governess. There, after using
every necessary precaution to prevent being discovered or sur-
prised, the hamper taken down, and Habib himself prostrated at
the feet of his mother, who was seated on the governess's couch;
the essences were again had recourse to for reviving the spirits of
both the mother and the son, who had mutually sunk into a trance.

When they had somewhat recovered, " Ah ! my dear Habib,"
cried Amirala, tc by what favor of gracious Heaven are you thus
restored to my arms ?"

" By that, madam, which was promised me by the stars. You
see before you the husband of Dorathil-goase the king of the
Seven Seas; the instrument though unworthy, of the great Solo-
mon the conqueror of the enemies of God and his prophet. But
I would only bewail my successes, did I not bring with me a
physician, who is able, in a moment, to restore sight to my father."

"Restore the sight of Salamis!" exclaimed Amirala. "Yes,
madam." answered Habib, " and that physician is my wife herself,
commissioned by the decrees of Heaven to perform this miracle."

" Your wife ! ;J returned Amirala, "and where is she ? r " In the
cottage in my garden. She waits for an Arabian dress. You will,
therefore, order two dresses to be prepared; one for her, under
which she may conceal her sex ; and another for me, in which I
may pass through the camp without being discovered.

' It is proposed, madam, to introduce to my father, in the view
of the whole camp, an Arabian physician w r ith his slave. Order,
then, the most trusty of the emir's grooms, and he in whose prudence
you can repose the most confidence, to follow me to my retreat
with three mules. Let him take care that the barriers be left open
for him on his return.

h You will inform your slaves that you have called a physician,
for whose accommodation a tent must be provided this night.
We will arrive about sunset, and we shall need no other than my
kind governess to serve us.' ;

'S. 435

" Till that time, madam, you may prepaie my father, by relating
such stories as may raise in his mind some hopes of my safety.
Inspire him with confidence in the skill of an Arabian physician,
who requires no more than to see his eyes, to touch them with his
fingers ; and who engages, by that means, in a moment to restore
his sight. For my own part, I will remain concealed till after the
operation."

Everything was executed according to IlabiVs directions ; he
instantly set out for his retreat, followed by his father's groom with
three mules. He had led the way in silence ; but when they ap-
proached the palisadoes, he called to the man by his name. The
groom seemed struck by the sound of his voice, " Fear not," said
he, " I speak to you with Habib's voice, for I am Ilabib himself.
When you come into the cottage, you may find what may surprise
you more. You will there see the queen, rny royal spouse. Pre-
pare yourself, then, to execute whatever we shall command for
the service of the emir, my father."

The groom could scarce persuade himself that he was awake ;
but the work he was ordered to perform soon convinced him that
he was not under the illusion of a dream.

Ilabib commanded him to load two of the mules with the armor
and the horse-trappings which he had received from the hand of
II Haboul. He and Dorathil-goase then put on their disguise.

The young physician mounted the best mule : her slave, on foot,
conducted one of the loaded mules, and the other was led by the
groom.

The armor was covered with those skins of lions and tigers, which
had served as furniture in the cottage ; and this little troop, in the
dusk of the evening presented themselves, and were admitted within
the lines of the camp.

In the meantime, Amirala and the governess attended Salaniis,
who was now awake; they addressed him in a tone less mournful
than usual ; and the worthy emir was comforted by the cheerful-
ness of their discourse.

" God has been pleased to humble me," said he ; " I was too
proud of his gifts, and all have been withdrawn, that I may learn
rny own insignificance. "Yet I bless his name, since you, my dear
Amirala, seem as resigned to our destiny as I am myself!

" Deprived as I am of power and glory, and cut off from the
enjoyment of light, I can brave every danger and even the slavery

436 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

with which T am threatened, while you assist me in supporting uy
misfortunes. My enemies no longer fear my arms ; but they will
be pursued by the vengeance of the groat prophet, from which
they cannot escape. We shall, at last, rejoin our dear Habib, and
be happy."

11 Yes, yes," cried the governess ; " there is no doubt of it, after
the dream both my lady and I have had. I am sure we shall re-
join our dear Habib."

u What dream ?" demanded Salamis. lt Whoever heard of two
persons having the same dream ?"

"We have, however, both dreamed the same thing," answered
the governess, " and that exactly, in each particular. We have
seen Habib. He was beautiful, was a king, and had a queen,
charming as the houris. lie still loved his father and us with all
the tenderness of his nature. He hoped soon to come here, and
show himself to you, and

"Show himself to me !" interrupted Salamis; 4< that can never
be, at least in this world ; for my eyes, alas ! are shut forever !"

' You may, perhaps, be agreeably deceived, my lord,' ; returned
the governess, " as to this particular. We have heard of a won-
derful physician, whose skill is so great that, if the eye-ball but
remain entire, he can restore the sight in a moment, and without
occasioning the smallest pain."

" I have already been abused by quacks and astrologers," cried
Salamis. " He is neither one nor t'other," said she. " He offers
to pledge a thousand pieces of gold before undertaking the cure.
If he does not succeed, or if he does the smallest injury, he is
willing to forfeit the sum."

" Let him come, then," said Salamis. " I will be glad to gain a
thousand pieces of gold, that I may dictr'bute them among my
poor subjects who have been plundered of all their flocks. It will
only cost me a little patience, and the empiric will be justly pun-
ished for his vain pretensions."

This compliance on the part of Salamis. was all that Amirala
wanted. Habib and Dorathil-goase arrive ; are introduced into
the apartment of the emir, and the groom there places the two
suits of armor, covering them with the skins in which they have
been wrapped.

The operation on the emir's eyes is now to be begun. But no
strangers are suffered to intrude. A supper is already prepared,

ENTERTAINMENTS. 37

which is to be served up by the governess alone. The groom
stands as sentinel at the door, to restrain the impertinent inquiries
of the crowd.

Amirala announces to her husband the arrival of the physician,
and at the same time puts into his hand a purse filled with gold.

"Weigh it," says she to the emir; u satisfy yourself that noth-
ing is wanting of the sum. and keep it in your possession, to make
sure of it, in case the operation should fail.

" But as you are a sovereign, this generous physician is unwil-
ling that you should hazard your person in the view of so paltry
a compromise ; that the bargain may be more equal, he entreats
that you will suffer him to pledge his head for his success."

" My dear Amirala," says Salamis, lt would you have me dream,
as you and the good old woman there, do so often ? Would you
make it a dream for three?" "I hope," answered she, "my
honored emir, it shall soon be a dream for five ! the most delight-
ful, the truest dream imaginable. But here comes the physician."

" Come near me," said the emir. u Is it true that you are so
certain of my cure ?" "Ascertain as of my existence." "Ah!
you have the voice of an angel, not of a man. Are you the mes-
senger of Heaven, who brings me so unexpected a favor ? for it is
from Heaven alone I can hope for such a miracle." " You are
mistaken as to the nature of my essence, but you conjecture aright
aa to my commission." " I know not how it is, but your words
enchant me, and shed a ray of hope on my soul. Look on my
eyes." " I see them. Permit me to touch them, and for an instant
to apply my thumbs upon them." u I feel an agreeable warmth
what a pleasing sensation ! some happy change has taken place,
which is communicated to every nerve, and nay whole frame is
invigorated ."

u The operation is finished, my lord. Look up without fear.
The rays of the sun will no longer be offensive to your eyes."

" heavens ! 1 see /" cried the good emir ; and before taking
notice of any object before him, he fell down with his face to the
ground, and thanked God for his deliverance.

Having finished his prayer, he arose and looked around. tl Where
is this physician ?" cried he, in a transport. " Where is this mes-
senger of God ?" "Here I am." "Divine creature!" "I am
not divine, honored father; I am Dorathil-goase, your daughter,
devoted to you by fate. I am the wife of your son Habib." " Wife

438 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

of Habib ! draw near ; Amirala, support mo ; my son ia

married ; he lives ! Where, where is he ?" " At your feet !"
cried Habib, embracing his knees.

" gracious Heaven !" exclaimed Salamis, " thou hast restored
my strength ; but much is necessary to sustain this excess of joy."

He remained for some time deprived of sense, in the arms of hia
son and the voung queen. But this was no more than a momentary
crisis of tenderness, which g-ave vent to the torrent which soon
burst from his eyes. His tears were mingled with those of his
children and of his wife Amirala; and the good old governess,
emboldened by the warmth of her attachment, presumed to join in
the tender scene.

Natural affection here operated so powerfully that, for some
time, curiosity, and every other sentiment, remained in suspense.

At last, .Amirala recollected that she ought to offer her guests.
some refreshment ; and the governess, on receiving her orders, pre-
pared to serve them.

The father is seated at table between his two children : Amirala
sits opposite, and enjoys the inexpressible felicity of beholding
the re-union of so many objects of her love.

For a long time her breathing had been interrupted by con-
tinual sighs : her mouth was seldom opened but to utter a com-
plaint ; her heart was wrung with sorrow, her mind haunted with
terrors. She shed the most bitter tears ; was dead to every pleas-
ure, and grief prayed on her vitals. Every step she made seemed
marked with misfortune.

In a moment all is reversed. The flood of tears that pours
from her eyes is a delicious enjoyment ; her soul is filled with
enthusiastic joy, and her lips can give it utterance.

"Let my heart taste of pleasure; it is not now a time to resist
the impressions of delight ; let my heart open and furnish an
abundance of tears !

a When each tear I shed was accompanied with a heavy groan,
who could have persuaded me that I should one day find such
pleasure in weeping ?

" laughter, how deceitful art thou ! Thou canst not express
the joy of the soul. Thou art a stranger to sweet sensibility.
Go, distort the faces, and mark the insipid mirth of the fo )ls who
court thee ; begone from those who can taste the tender delight of
weeping !

ENTERTAINMENTS. 439

" Dorathil-goase ! H&bib ! how charming are your tears ! how
they exalt every beauty ! how they improve every feature of those
angelic faces ! v '

Amirala might have proceeded longer in the language of
poetry ; for the happiness she then felt had inspired her with all
the vivacitv of youth but the situation of the objects on which
her attention was fixed, began to change. The repast was short ;
the governess had retired, and it was now time that Salamis should
learn from his sou's own mouth in what manner he was restored
to him by the kindness of Heaven.

The young hero recounted to him his history, from the moment
he set out on the expedition to Mount Caucasus ; he described the
behavior of the twenty knights till the instant they left him ex-
posed in the desert to the rigors of the climate, to famine, to thirst,
and to the rage of the ferocious animals.

He described all his exploits in the most natural colors. Even
the fault he termed unpardonable which he committed before
leaving the caverns, and the consequences that followed that error.

He proceeded to relate his meeting with the daughters of the
sea, a meeting which was, no doubt, ordained by fate. He de^
scribed in what manner his labors were facilitated by their assis-
tance, and how they had in a manner saved his life. In short, he
expressed the extreme felicity he enjoyed since the moment of his
union with the charming Dorathil-goase.

He concluded with mentioning the reasons which led him to-
return to Mount Caucasus ; how he there, for the first time, learned
from II Haboul the unhappy situation of his father, of his mother,
and of his whole tribe ; and how, on this, he took the resolution of
hastening to Arabia.

Salamis eagerly listened to this narrative, without interrupting
hirn. When he had done, "My son," said he, u have you not re-
solved to punish those treacherous knights, who have so basely
plotted your destruction ?"

u Father," said Ilabib, "I think it unnecessary; I leave them to
the stings of internal remorse, and to the vengeance of Heaven.
Such despicable monsters are so mean, so far beneath me, that I
cannot stoop to punish them."

" Your sentiments," rejoined Salamis, " are truly magnanimous;
your answer is worthy of a hero ; but you should also judge as a
king. Vengeance ought always to pursue crimes, and the guilty aro

440 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Ut)t proper objects of mercy. But after their infamous treachery
to you, what wonder is it that their cowardice has been the chief
cause of all the disorders which have desolated our tribe ; for not
one of them had courage enough to face an enemy."

They have oppressed my people with every species of injustice.
The crimes they have committed against you, and against myself
are so enormous, that you expose the whole tribe to danger in suf-
fering them to live. Besides, as you are now to discover your-
self, their villany must come to light, and public justice will de-
mand their punishment. I might add, did I not know that you
were superior to such fears, that they would btill be dangerous
enemies."

Habib yielded to these reasons ; and entreated his father to
acquaint him with the particulars of that unhappy revolution in
Arabia, which II llaboul had mentioned to him only in general ;
and of which the sad effects were too visible on the face of the
country.

" my son," resumed the virtuous emir, " I call on you to exe-
cute vengeance on wretches whose existence is a disgrace to hu-
manity ; and while I excite you to repress your generous feelings,
that you may secure the welfare of a people over whom you may
hereafter bear rule, it is a task truly painful to set before your
eyes the unpleasing picture which must banish, for the time, those
sentiments of universal benevolence which should always ii. spire
the heart of a true Mussulman.

"When the Arabians saw me deprived of sight, when they
could no longer hope to triumph by my arms, nor share with me
in my conquests, they regarded me as an outcast unworthy of life.
The emirs that I had appointed in my provinces forgot that they
owed their elevation to me. They all deserted their allegiance.
Thoy quarrelled among themselves, nor would they even listen to
my counsels.

" By my conduct and military skill they had subdued the
formidable tribe of Kleb, who were infidels, worshippers of the
sun, and the stars. We were obliged to reduce them to servitude
by imposing heavy contributions, which rendered them impatient
of the yoke.

"A warrior started up among them named Zir ; a man of enor-
mous stature and extraordinary strength ; he was naturally am-
bitious, enterprising and brave, but quarrelsome and cruel.

ENTERTAINMENTS 441

"Zir had excited his -brethren to revolt; they flew to arms;
and while the emirs were disputing with each other about the
vain honor of command, they were routed, their forces dispersed,
and their flocks driven off. The few that were not entirely sub-
jected by him are now wandering in the neighboring deserts.

" Thus freed from every enemy whose force he had reason to
fear, the terrible Zir advanced to my camp, to accomplish the
most important part of his project.

" The tribe of Benihelal, who rendered such important services
to our holy prophet, was, above all the others, odious in the eyes
of the infidels. Zir was ambitious of subjecting them to the same
degree of slavery from which he had delivered his own people ;
or even, if he could, of cutting them off, root and branch, from the
face of the earth.

" The favorable situation of our camp, between two steep hills,
the exact discipline which I have, enjoined, and the means I have
suggested of repelling attacks and avoiding surprise, have hitherto
prevented my defeat; but we are daily losing ground, and the
few cattle still remaining with us, can scarcely find pasturage
sufficient for their support.

" Had you not, my dear son, arrived so seasonably ; had not
Heaven been pleased to restore my sight, no other prospect was
before us than death, or the most humiliating slavery.

" Though the enemy, from a knowledge of our position, have
ceased to attempt to force our lines, yet they daily present them-
selves as our barriers, and exuitingly reproach our warriors with
cowardice. None of them have courage to resent those cruel in-
sults; and one might imagine that the whole tribe of Benihelal
was reduced to women and infants."

This recital kindled a flame in the breast of Habib. His
father forsaken his tribe dishonored these were ideas altogether
insupportable; but above all, the ungenerous advantage which
Zir had taken of his father's weakness, filled his soul with indigna-
tion and fury.

" ! my father !" cried he : " I hope before to-morrow's dawn to
begin our vengeance.

<; Under the^e tiger-skins, which perhaps you have not yet ob-
served, are concealed some pieces of armor of no ordinary kind,
vmch were given me by II Haboul when I last visited Caucasus
Your groom shall prepare me a war-horse. I will fly to the bar

19

442 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

rier, there to await the insolent bravadoes of our ei emies, and
give them a proper reception.

"If the enemy does not appear, I will rush on to the tents of
Zir, and dare him to the combat."

"And where shall Salamis be," cried the generous old warrior,
" if he fails to accompany his son in so glorious an enterprise ?
Here are two suits of armor under the tiger-skins. I pray thee tell
me, was this intended for your wife, or me ? What Arab is able
to bear these arms, or even to lift this lance ?"

Having said this, he took it up and brandished it in the air in a
terrible manner. While he wielded the enormous lance, it looked,
in his grasp, like a reed in the hands of a child. " Mohammed !"
exclaimed he, " thou hast restored two chiefs to thy tribe restore,
also, to the people, their courage and their strength !"

Amirala and Dorathil-goase. far from being alarmed for the
safety of their husbands, were delighted to see them assist each
other in adjusting their armor, and to observe the graceful man-
ner in which they, by turns, tried the weight and temper of their
, weapons.

When they were completely armed they embraced ; ' Thou art
my son !" said Salamis ; " I am thy father. To-day we are
brothers and rivals in the field of honor.

" Pity it is we have none to contend with but slaves ! Let us,
however, take comfort ; we fight for the great prophet, and our
glory is connected with his."

Salamis then called his groom. " Prepare for us," said he, two
horses of the noblest breed ; let them be caparisoned in these
trappings, and conduct them to your tent. Keep them in readi-
ness till day-break, when we shall mount.

" God has been pleased to restore my strength, as you see, to-
gether with my sight.

" To-morrow my son and 1 go to receive the challenge of the
rebel knights from the army of Zir.

11 When we set out from your tent, you will follow at a small
distance. You may answer to thogo in the camp, who inquire
who we are, that these are two strangers, knights, who come to
offer their services to Salamis."

The groom retired to do as he had been commanded ; and the
dai'kness of the night enabled him to execute his oiders without
being perceived.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 443

The guards who kept the passages to the emir's tents saw the
groom enter without suspicion ; and as they knew him to be the
emir's servant, suffered him to take from thence two horses with-
out the least disturbance.

At day-break the two warriors, armed cap-a-pie, after taking the
most affectionate leave of their spouses, went out unobserved,
They came to the groom's tent, mounted their horses, and rode up
to the barriers to wait the approach of Zir's warriors, who came
there daily to renew their insults.

Nor had they long to wait. Six knights, in complete armor,
soon made their appearance; and, followed by a small party of
their attendants, advanced toward the barriers of the camp. One
of them alighted, and thus addressed the guard who kept that
post :

li People of Arabia: Are you mad ? Would you remain inglo-
riously penned up like your cattle, on the last of which you now
feed ? "Would you suffer famine and death for the sake of a poor
blind man ? Our chains are honorable, and are destined to be worn
by the bravest people of the earth. Submit, then, to the common
lot of the nations conquered by our arms. Vou shall be permit-
ted to become a footstool to the throne of the mighty emir Zir,
our glorious sovereign. Leave, then, for shame, this feeble old
man, who can only share with you his disgrace and imbecility.
You shall even be allowed to mix with our tribe, and there forget
the ignominy of your own. Why not forsake a prince abandoned
by Heaven, who has not, among his friends, one knigh+ bold enough
to face the weakest of us ?"

" Thou liest, vile slave of a rebel slave !" criecl Habib, who had
suddenly started from behind the palisade. He then struck the
visor of his casque with one of his gauntlets, as a signal of defiance.

l/ 'I here defy thee," said Ilabib, " and challenge thec to engage
a knight of the great Salamis."

In the meantime, the valiant husband of Dorathil-goase over-
leaped the barrier, and came up w r ith his adversary before he had
time to remount his horse, or lay hold of his shield.

Ilabib threw away his, disdaining the least advantage of that
sort, and the fight began. But the victory was soon decided in
favor of the son of Salamis. Habib scarcely struck a blow that
did not pierce the armor of his antagonist, and he fell dead at his
feet, before the other knights of the tribe of Kleb could advance
to assist their companion in arms.

444 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

He who first came up, forgetting the laws of war and of honor,
tried to overthrow Habib by rushing on him with his horse. The
brave son of Salamis avoided the shock, and with a mortal blow
smote his adversary to the ground.

Salamis, who had just passed the barrier, met the third knight,
and despatched him. Habib, who had now taken his horse, joined
his father, and both fell upon the three remaining warriors of the
tribe of Kleb.

These knights would have sought safety in flight, had not the
shame of being seen by their attendants restrained them. Fear,
however, had seized their hearts ; they suffered themselves to be
disarmed, and the fate of their companions completed their terror.

Salamis and his son returned to the camp. Every one, who
bore the title of knight in the tribe of Benihelal, came about them
half-armed. Joy, mixed with suspicion and shame, appeared in
their faces. They asked, "Who can they be ? From whence are
those wonderful strangers who have displayed such intrepidity
against our enemies -who have so easily triumphed in the unequal
contest of two against six ?"

The two knights did not remove the visors of their casques.
They answered those who praised their valor, only by a graceful
inclination of the head. They observed a profound silence, and
the groom who spoke for them, told the people that they were two
noble and valiant strangers, who were come to offer their services
to the emir ; and that they had requested to be conducted to his
tent, that they might be introduced to him.

The two heroes again mounted their steeds, and proceeded to
the tent of Salamis. The groom led the way, went on before them
as if to announce their arrival, and afterward, introduced them
with a mysterious air.

They were received with open arms by Amirala and Dorathil-
goase. The steel, in which they were clad, seemed to yield, and
become soft in the tender embrace

A victorious knight is an object of the highest delight to his
lady. Can any titie be more pleasing, even amidst the most en-
dearing caresses ? These two happy pairs, indulging their mutual
fondness without restraint, for love, tempered with virtue, knows
no bounds, and can never arrive at excess.

The heroes were assisted in putting off their arms by their fair
spouses ; who, with their own hands, served them with a repast

ENTERTAINMENTS. 445

Salamis was informed that his tent was surrounded by a multitude
of inquisitive people, of all ranks. He gave orders to tell them,
that, having passed the night uneasily, he had need of repose.
At the same time, he commanded proclamation to be made in the
camp, that he would hold a great council of all his knights imme-
diately after mid-day prayers.

The rumor had been spread that a physician had arrived, who
was to operate on the emir's eyes ; but both he and his slave had
disappeared. It was believed by some that the emir having no con-
fidence in the operation proposed, had abruptly sent away the
person who came to attempt it.

Others again, asked when, and in what manner, two knights in
complete armor could have been introduced to a fortified camp,
and penetrate to the emir's tent, without being seen by the guards
or any other person ?

While the people were perplexing themselves with coujestures
on these subjects, Salamis, Amirala, Ilabib, and Dorathil-goase
retired to refresh themselves, after so much fatigue, with a short
repose. All who were to be present at the council prepared to
hear something new and wonderful, whatever it might be, and none
failed to attend exactly at the hour appointed.

Salamis received his knights, seated on asofa leaning his fore-
head on his hand that they might not remark the new lustre which
reanimated his countenance.

When the assembly was full, and eveiyone had taken his place,
he thus addressed them : " Emirs and knights, who were the glory
of the tribe of Benihelal, before it incurred the wrath of the great
prophet, I scarce could have flattered myself with the hope of dis-
covering the cause of our punishment, nor of seeing an end to the
progress of misfortune.

" Placing my hope in God alone, I was always resigned to his
will ; and he has at last been pleased to reveal to me the dreadful
crimes of which some brethren of our tribe have been guilty.
These have provoked Heaven, and drawn down its vengeance on
our heady.

" Emirs ! and more especially ye Arabian knights who now
hear me ! You have among you some base and false hearts soula
stained with the blackest treasons, and the most horrid crimes !

u As soon a,s their enormities were committed, Mohammed vith
drew his favor. The heavens were reversed, and every star was
against us. We became a prey to the infidels.

446 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

u Myself, being your chief, though innocent, was struck \vith
blindness, and found my power wrested from me, and my counsels
despised. Even your natural courage has forsaken your hearts,
and you can no longer face an enemy. You are become the sub-
ject of their raillery. Those who once exulted in their strength
have felt their knees tremble, and have crept behind their en-
trenchments.

tt The tribes who were subjected to me have thrown off Iheir
allegiance ; without, however, escaping the disasters which guilt
has brought on the tents of the Arabs. Their enemies, as weak as
ourselves, but still more imprudent, have, by their internal divi-
sions, suffered their brethren to sink under the sword of their
rebel slaves; and those who have not attempted to gain advan-
tages by rebellion, have fled to the inhospitable deserts of this
country, there to seek a miserable and inglorious asylum !

" Our misfortunes, arrived almost at the highest pitch, have, at
last, excited the compassion of Heaven; and divine justice now
only demands from us the punishment of those crimes, for which
it had, with regret, pursued the innocent with the guilty, in order
that a more severe chastisement may be inflicted on the camp of
the enemy.

" Consent, then, instantly to deliver up to justice those who are
found worthy of punishment those wretches who have drawn
down the vengeance of Heaven on the faithful Mussulmans of
Arabia !

The Emir had pronounced this speech with a tone of firmness
and authority, that his audience could scarce have expected from
one in the humiliating situation in which they still supposed him.
They gazed on each other in silent astonishment. Some looked
down, fixing their eyes on the earth ; but the unanimous voice of
the assembly seemed to declare, that the horrid crimes which had
provoked the wrath of Heaven against their tribe, should be ex-
piated by the death of the guilty.

" Are proofs w y anted !" said the emir, while Habib stepped from
behind a curtain w r here he stood concealed : " Come forth, my son,
convict these nineteen knights who stand before us, of the false re-
port they made of your death, both to myself, and to the whole
tribe."

Then turning to the criminals : " Base and cruel impostors, caa
j on deny, that I entrusted you in preference to others, with the

ENTKltTAIXMENTS. 447

c.ire and protection of your young prince; that you, adding
tieaehery to cowardice, resolved to abandon him ; and that to es-
cape my vengeance, you left him in his sleep, destitute of every
resource, and even of his arms exposed to hunger and thirst, to
the fury of the elements, and the rage of wild beasts ?"

The sight of Habib was like a stroke of thunder to the guilty
knights. Salamis thus proceeded:

" Knights of the tribe of Benihelal to you it belongs to pro-
nounce the sentence, and order the execution of the criminals.
To you it belongs to avenge the children of Mohammed, on those
who have brought dishonor on his favorite tribe, and the scourge
of divine justice on the whole people."

The criminals were mute, nor could they offer a word in their
own defence. They were surrounded, bound, and their armor torn
off piece by piece ; being immediately delivered over to the exe-
cutioners, they were led out of the camp, their heads struck off
with a sabre, and their bodies left exposed as a prey to the rav-
enous beasts.

Rabir had been saved from the infamy of this punishment by
his death, which happened soon after his return. The horror of
having consented to such an enormity had hastened his end, which
might otherwise have been regarded as premature.

Having thus done justice to their royal chiefs, the knights made
haste to testify their joy at the return of Habib.

While Salamis spoke to them, the importance of his discourse
so entirely captivated their attention, that they hud not remarked
the sparkling orbs which now re-animated his looks.

On their return, Salamis addressed them one after another, with
graceful condescension ; and all remarked with astonishment the
return of his sight. u Have you not heard," said the emir, tl of
the physician who was last night introduced to me, and whose
secret remedy has, by the grace of God and his prophet, proved
effectual ? Nor is this the only favor which Heaven has bestowed
on us.

"The victory which my son and I obtained this morning, is the
pledge of future glory. Brave Arabians ! the stain of guilt is no
longer upon you : resume your wonted strength and military ardor ;
prepare to attack the tents of Zir. I ask none to follow me but
my valiant knights ; my other warriors may remain to protect our
flocks in the rich pastures I shall point out. A sufficient guard
will also be left in the camp.

448

'' Let all our subject tribes who are wandering in the desert be
informed, that, by to-morrow, terror shall reign in the tents of our
enemies, and fear shall be banished from the breast of all those
who repair to the standard of Salami s.

" While we are collecting a body of forces, whose appearance
may be sufficiently formidable to intimidate the enemy, and thus
save us the pain of entering upon a bloody war, I hope you, niy
dear friends, and all the remaining people of Arabia, who serve
the true God, will join me ; on this just occasion, in thanking
Heaven for its favors.

a The return of Habib, and the recovery of my sight, are not,
however, the only subjects of my happiness. The Queen of the
Seven Seas at the extremity of the east, the fair Dorathil-goase,
the wife whom the stars had destined to my son she hertelf is
the messenger of Heaven sent to restore the strength of my youth,
and with it the power of lifting those eyes to Heaven which were
before involved in darkness !

<4 Let this news be proclaimed in every country where the laws
of the Alcoran are obeyed, that all people may give thanks to
God and his prophet.

" Let days of thanksgiving be appointed. But these religious
festivals are not intended for the indulgence of sensual appetites;
it is the soul that should rejoice at the return of those blessings,
so unexpected and so wonderful.

" May our expressions of pious gratitude, and our bhouts of joy,
be re-echoed in the tents of Zir, and cause the hearts of our ene-
mies to quake with terror."

The ceremonies of the thanksgiving were publicly and unani-
mously celebrated in the camp of Salamis, with all the solemnity
and pomp which the present circumstances permitted.

Dorathil-goase received the blessing and the homage of the
whole tribe of Benihelal, and the camp resounded with the ac-
clamations of joy, which were intermingled with the noise oc-
casioned by the general festival.

The camp of Salamis now wore the appearance of the highest
prosperity. The happy news spread abroad, and attracted many
knights of the other tribes, who had been separated from their
prince during his misfortunes.

Salamis received them graciously, and made Habib and his
spouse also show them every mark of kindness. He anticipated

ENTERTAINMENTS. 449

the excuses, and saved them the confusion of offering an apology
for their conduct, by referring all that had happened to the chas-
tisement of Heaven. In fifteen days the emir saw himself sur-
rounded with a respectable and numerous train of knights, glow-
ing with desire to repair, by feats of arms, the shame of defection.
on the one hand, and the disgrace of inaction on the other.

Zir was not ignorant of this revolution. The defeat of his six
warriors had made him expect such a piece of news. Three of
them fell in the field of battle ; three were prisoners in the camp
of Salamis. The latter had communicated to their tribe the news
which had reached them even in their prison. Zir was struck with
astonishment at hearing of the sudden cure of Salamis, and the re-
turn of Ilabib with the fair queen whom he had married.

He now understood \vho the two strangers were who had fought
against his six knights ; and he regretted that he had not himself
appeared before the enemy's lines, that he might have sustained
the shock where his warriors were eo unequal to the contest.

His confidence in his own strength made him believe that he
would have come off victorious. But he resolved to wipe off' the
dishonor which that action had cast on his arms, by challenging
Salamis to single combat in the face of his own camp.

Yemana, his sister, a princess distinguished for good sense and
beauty, though she believed her brother's strength and courage to
be more than human, yet dissuaded him from the rash attempt.

' My brother,' 1 said she, " you will perhaps regard my opinion as
influenced by principles which you are not willing to admit. How
formidable soever his strength may be, who has long been called
the great Salamis, were I not to attribute anything to fortune,
I would consider you as at least his equal match; but I attribute
much to the aspect of the stars.

" Their malign influence has already been shed on the tribe of
Benihelal. That tribe and all the people subject to it, have been
delivered into your hands, and you have hitherte triuniplied.

k< But. my dear brother, the heavens change and the influence
of the stars may also change.

"It is a maxim universally admitted, that misfortunes never
come singly. We also reckon upon a run of good luck; but we
never think of tracing the matter to its first source.

" Consider, then, the happy and even miraculous events which
have already favored your enemies; and consult the surest means,

450 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

according to the course of your destiny, and without taking your
glory into the account, how you may assure your personal safety.
on which the security of the whole tribe of Kleb absolutely de-
pends."

w It will be time enough to think of all this, sister,' ; answered
Zir, il after I have conquered Salamis. His power is less odious to
me than his glory. I have seen it overthrown, but it again springs
up from its ruins. lie has set up his son, too, as a fresh obstacle
to my reputation.

"All Arabia is too narrow to satisfy my ambition: how then
could I bear two rivals ? Your stars, sister, may do as they
please ; but if they are against me, I shall make them become
pale with fear for the champions they prefer before me."

While Yemana and her brother held this discourse, Salamis, at
the head of his vassals, advanced toward the tents of the tribe of
Kleb, which were only about three leagues from his camp.

This was but a short march; and Zir being informed of their
approach, led out an equal number of w T arriors. The two armies
now faced each other at a little more than a bow-shot distance.

The proud and gigantic Zir, mounted on a high-mettled charger,
insultingly pranced along the front of his squadrons. Salamis
was advancing to challenge him to single combat. " No, my
father, no !" cried the youthful warrior ; " Heaven has preserved
me, and sent me here to take vengeance on your enemies."

*' You are too young, my Ilabib," answered the tender father j
"your limbs have not yet acquired a sufficient degree of strength
to sustain a contest with a giant."

"Ah !" said Dorathil-goase, '' do not doubt that the hero who has
sprung from you will show himself worthy of his high descent.
Be contented with the glory you have already acquired, and in-
trust your quarrel to my Habib ; you shall soon see that no giant
is a match for him."

The joint entreaties of Habib, Amirala, and Dorathil-goase. at
last made the brave emir yield to his son the honor of giving the
challenge.

Habib laid aside the Parthian lance, and took one of the usutJ
form in Arabia, that he might be on an equal footing with hi* an-
tagonist, lie advanced with his visor lifted up, and presenting
himself gracefully on his noble steed, gave the signal of defence.

Zir came up, and assuming a tone of irony, " How sweet," said

ENTERTAINMENTS. 45 1

he, " is the silver tone of thy voice. Pray, art thou not a woman ?"
" You shall know me, by-and-by for what I am," answered Ilubib,
fiercely.

" Ila ! I remember you, my pretty baby ; I have seen you
dandled on Amirala's knees. How handsome you are ! Your
father, sure, did not send you to fight with me ! He knows that I
love youth. Go. tell him that I wait for him, and that I will con-
tend with none but men,"

" My father," replied Habib, (l scorns to fight with his rebel
slave. I have learned, even in my mother's arms, to despise in-
solence."

"But, young man, I shall now be forced to bestow on your
mother a mourning garb, which she need not hope to quit a second
time. Go, I say, fetch me your father. However vain he may be
of his former victories, would not the trophy of ray arms, if he
should triumph over me, be a noble ornament displayed upon his
tent ?"

" I have already told thee, slave, that my father will not do thee
the honor to accept thy challenge. Thirty times hast thou fol-
lowed him to battle, singing his victories over warriors more
valiant than thyself; nor could thy defeat add anything to his
glory. Thou shalt not have the trouble of sending a mourning
dress to my mother; nor can I do the like to yours; it is well
known that you are even ignorant of her name but I here prom-
ise to present a full suit to your sister, Yemana."

" Rash fool !" cried Zir, pushing on his horse ; " I have been
led to battle, singing the victories of your father, because the
tribe of Kleb were slaves, and slaves must sing anything. Your
mother, and the adventurer-queen you have brought from the
deserts shall sing mine to-morrow. They shall wear my chains
and be subject to my will, or their blood shall stain the earth, or
be mingled with thine and thy father's." Having said this, he
threw his lance with vast force against Habib.

The youug warrior observed its direction, and by a skilful
and sudden motion of his body, evaded the blow. The lance
passed over him. and fell at the distance of thirty paces.

Habib, lifting up his Kmce, presented it to the throat of Zir.
*' Thou hast dared," said he, " to pronounce the name of my
mother and my spouse in terms of insult, like a mean coward.
Thou hast a sister who is very weak ; she will be more so after

452 AKABIAN NIGHTS'

thy death, and shall be the more entitled to my compassion.'''
Then gently tapping upon his shoulder with the point of the lance,
u Go," said he, " take up your weapon where your awkwardness
has made you throw it. Armed I despise thee ! unarmed, thou
art an object of ridicule !" Zir, distracted with rage, flew to
seize the lance, and returning to the attack, again threw it against
Habib, with all the force that fury could add to an arm that was
thought irresistible.

Habib, by the moet dexterous movement imaginable, withdrew
his body from the stroke, by passing his leg under the belly of ;
. his horse. The weapon glanced along within half a foot of the
saddle, and its point pierced the trunk of a tree at some dis-
tance.

Habib now threw down his own lance; and Zir was more than
ever enraged at this fresh mark of contempt.

He drew his scimetar, and, assailed Habib with innumerable
blows, which fell on every part of his armor as thick as hail.

In this contest the strength of the combatants might be nearly
equal; but in skill and presence of mind there was a great dis-
parity. Every stroke given by Zir was foreseen and warded off;
but those of his antagonist always took effect, and never failed to
carry away some portion of Zir's strong armor. Many passages
were thus opened to the sword ; and while the giant lifted his
arm against the son of Salamis, the young hero, with a reversed
blow, struck off his hand by the wrist. Zir attempted to save him-
self by flight ; but a second stroke laid his head at the feet of the
conqueror.

Both the camps, and even the women, were witnesses to the
contest between Habib and the gigantic Zir. The knights of both
parties were filled with the highest admiration at the discourse
and gallant behavior of the son of Salamis. " What generosity !
what moderation ! JJ cried they. il So much activity, grace, and
skill, united to such strength and valor, must surely be irre
sistible!"

But though there could be only one opinion as to the merits of
the combat its consequences to the opposite parties were very
different.

Consternation seized the tribe of Kleb ; they thought themselves
vanquished oy a single arm. The knighthood returned to their
camp that they might withdraw their most valuable effects from

ENTERTAINMENTS. 45'1

the pillage which they regarded as the inevitable consequence of
their defeat.

Already did tbe people disperse in small parties, consulting to-
gether how they might escape, by flight, from a state of slavery
more dreadful than that which they had endeavored to shake off.
The followers of Salamis, on the other hand, advanced in good
order, that they might avail themselves of the advantage gained
by the son of their emir, and the disorder of the enemy.

Habib, confident of his strength, courage, and good fortune, en-
tered the camp of the tribe of Kleb, followed by a few warriors
whom none ventured to oppose, and ordered that he should be
conducted to the tent of the princess of Yemana.

That princess, accompanied by fi ty guards who attended her
person, had viewed the combat at a distance, mounted upon a
hodage,* whicn had been raised higher than usual on the back of
her hetnacka.

The warriors who had led on the party commanded by Salamis,
came up to their young sultan, who placed them about Yemana
and sent others to prevent pillage, and to recover whatever plun-
der had been already made by his people. At the moment Sala-
mis was giving orders to pursue the detached bands of the tribes
of Kleb, he was amazed to* see the people come peaceably and
range themselves under their tents.

He soon learned that this was owing to the prudent conduct of
his son. He came into the camp, accompanied by Amirala and
Dorathil-goase, and was shown to the tents of Yemana.

When they advanced, the princess of Kleb arose that she might
present herself to them as a suppliant. Habib would not suffer
her to kneel, but thus addressed his father :

" ! my glorious sovereign !" said he, tl I have promised your
clemency to Yemana, princess of the tribe of Kleb. She possesses
every great quality that can fit her for the throne. Besides, if
she swerved from her duty, it was owing to her brother, for
she never took part against us; and she has requested to be re-
instated in your good graces, in a manner so handsome, so worthy
of herself, that I have promised her favor in your name, in that
of my mother, and of the charming Dorathil-goase."

*Theltdie* of Arabia commonl/ ride on female camel -i, called hetnacka. The
carpets thrit cover the camels' backs are rolled into a sort of cushion, on which the
ladj ind her slave are seated. This is named hodage.

454 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Confiding in what his son had said in favor of Yemana, Salamis
assented tc whatever he had done for the princess. He knew
that she had none of the vices of her brother; and that she was
even willing to embrace the doctrines of the Alcoran.

" Madam," said he, " I here ratify with joy all that my son has
done for you, and," added he, " you appear so worthy, that I
should be happy, if possible, to add new favors to those which he
has already conferred on you." At the same time Amirala and
Dorathil-goase embraced the new princess of Kleb with unfeigned
affection.

They would have willingly conducted her to the tents of JBeni-
helal, there to console her, by their caresses, for the loss of a
brother who was so dear to her; but her presence was necessary
at his funeral, which was celebrated with all the ceremonies of
mourning usual in that tribe, and likewise for establishing good
order among the people, of whom she had now assumed the
management.

Habib, that nothing might be wanting, ordered a hundred
knights to wait her orders. The venerable emir now returned to
the tents of Benihelal with his family, and was received wii,h
songs of triumph.

The praises of Habib resounded from every quarter, and the
subject of the song was his victory over Zir.

" But, good people !" cried Dorathil-goase, " what has my hus-
band done ? What else did you expect from the son of the great
Salamis ? You mistake the object of your praise. Delicious fruit
is pleasing to the taste ; but it is the tree that bears it which merits
your esteem !"

For ten days nothing w r as to be seen in the tents of Beniholul
but feasting and rejoicing. The most distant tribes of the Arabs,
who had fled from the tyranny of Zir, collected around the camp
of their ancient emir ; their tents are pitched near him, and he
again sees himself at the head of his sixty-six tribes, his strength
restored, and his authority more firmly established than ever.

After the ten days' festival, Yemana, attended by the chiafs oi
her tribe, came to pay homage to her sovereign. She still wore
her mourning dress, which greatly improved the softness of her
charms. She was received by the emir and Habib with every
mark of respect that became her sex and quality. Amirala and
Donthil-goase also gave her a kind and familiar welcome.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 455

Sal amis had a nephew, the son of his brother, called Saphey, a
young and promising warrior. The emir resolved to bestow his
hand on Yemana, creating him, at the same time, emir of the tribe
of Kleb. Yemana accepted this new mark of favor with suitable
gratitude; and a remission of their tribute was the royal present
at the nuptials.

New festivities followed thig happy event, which effaced every
vestige of slavery from the tribe of Kleb. The knights who had
followed their princess were quite astonished at a reception o
gracious.

" Knights," said their new sovereign, " it is thus that a faithful
Mussulman takes revenge on his enemies. From this day let the
people be less disaffected to laws which are productive of so many
worthy actions. Henceforth let the tribe of Kleb renounce their
ignorance and ferocity. They ought no longer to admire heroes
like Zir, whose sole merit depends on strength and violence ; and
who think themselves only great in so far as they can strike ter-
ror." After the departure of Yemana and her husband to their
camp, Dorathil-goase and Habib felt some impatience to return to
their own states, to succor the people, who had not yet recove-red
from the terror occasioned by the tyranny of Abarikaff.

Salamis knew too well the duties of a king to oppose their in-
tention, or require the sacrifice cf their people's happiness for his
private satisfaction.

A day was fixed for the departure of Habib and his spouse. It-
was agreed that they should return to the little retreat where they
first arrived, and go from thence, secretly, by the same means of
conveyance they had employed in coming thither.

Salamis and Amirala would gladly have accompanied them, that
they might enjoy their presence as long as possible ; but this would
have made too much noise. There are many things of which the
people should be kept in ignorance, and their fondness for what
is marvellous often makes them forgetful of their duty.

The youthful pair, with tears in their eyes, took a most affection-
ate leave of the worthy old emir and his spouse. They concerted
means of sommunicating with each other, so as to render their
separation the more supportable. They mounted a camel, and
being conducted by the confidential groom, returned to tne retreat.
Next morning, before day, the roc bore them through the air
toward the heights of Caucasus.

456 AHA B 1 AN NIGHTS'

Now were they again to see their faithful II Haboul, and fill hia
heart with joy, hy a recital of their happy adventures. Habib
went instantly to replace the talisman in the treasury of Solomon.

At the entry to this mysterious cavern, he cast his eyes on a
hieroglyphic which he had not before remarked. It attracted his
attention so much, that he fell into a profound meditation. " These
are emblematic figures," said he to himself. " Here is the pure,
expanse of heaven, brilliant with light. An eagle appears to rise
rapidly in her flight, almost to the sun's disk, while an enormous
serpent, creeping over the rocks, reaches the nest and devours the
eggs of the noble bird."

Habib returned with a pensive air to his instructor, and told
him the subject of his reflections, describing what he had seen.

" That is the picture," said II Haboul, " but what is the moral
of it ?" " Methinks I comprehend it," said Habib.

" By aspiring to too great an elevation, we are in danger of
being flushed with prosperity, and of losing sight of our true in-
terests."

'* Your answer," said II Haboul, " is worthy of my old pupil.
None pass the door of the cavern of Solomon without reaping
some instruction. Pity it is that we must learn those maxims of
wisdom, one by one, and not all at once, by a great and compre-
hensive grasp of thought !"

They dedicated two days to the enjoyment of friendship, in the
company of the venerable keeper of the prophet's repositories ; the
roc then took his flight to the White Isle, and also to the Yellow
Isle, where the exertions of the old genie, Ilbalhis, had, in some
measure, restored an appearance of prosperity.

The royal pair next found themselves in the little court of the
lady of the beautiful tresses and Dal-Ilsha. Everything here an-
nounced peace and abundance. The two daughters of the sea had
been conducted hither, and impatiently expected the return of the
hero to whom they had so obligingly devoted their services : es-
pecially Ilzaide, who, till that moment, had never experienced the
least ennui, and who had now found it in everything, how much-
soever she sought to avoid it.

Habib and his queen remained a few days with their kind rela-
tions, and returned to Medina? il-ballor, carrying with them Ilzaido
and her sister, by a route through which their dolphins "sould not
follow them.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 457

The capital islands of Dorathil-goase's dominions had now every
appearance of a happy and flourishing state : and the return of
their king and queen completed the joy of the inhabitants.

The youthful couple, who were still lovers, added to the mutual
felicity they enjoyed in each other's company, the pleasure of con-
tributing by ev.rv means in their power to the interest and welfare
of their people.

Illabousatrous, too, rejoiced at the happiness of his family, and
bad the satisfaction of seeing his grand project rapidly advance
toward its accomplishment.

Every day produced the legitimate union of a genie with one ot
the children of Adam. He saw them submit to a law, which,
though it seemed to diminish their power, was, nevertheless, very
beneficial to them.

Soon after their arrival, it was agreed that one of the daughters
of the sea should give her hand to a kinsman of Dorathil-goase.
It was also proposed that Ilzaide should marry.

" With whom ?" cried she, ' there are no knights here. You shall
send me to Arabia ; that is the country of heroes !"

" My charming girl," answered Dorathil-goase, " we shall most
willingly carry you there, when we return to visit our worthy
parents ; but thou wert born in the sea, and habituated to that
element; how, then, could you live in a country where little else is
to be seen than vast plaine, covered with dry sand." " Love can
make every place agreeable/ 7 returned Ilzaide, with vivacity;
"even the elements are subject to its empire. If the knight, your
dear husband, had feared them, you never would have possessed
him : and could I hope for the conquest of such a heart, I think I
could equal the best knight of Arabia in resolution and generosity."

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS PARIZADE ; OR, THE TALKING BIRD,
THE SINGING TREE^ AND THE YELLOW WATER.

There was a king of Persia, named Khosrouschah, who came
very young to the crown. When he grew up, in order to acquire
a knowledge of mankind, he determined to adopt the practice of
mingling with society occasionally, in disguise, attended only by
his vizier. One of those rambles produced a very interesting ad-
venture.

As he was passing in the evening through a street, where the
meaner sort of people dwelt, his attention was engaged by

20

458 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

loud conversation and laughter. He perceived a crack in the door
of the house, which he looked through, and saw three very agree-
able young women talking together with much earnestness and
mirth.

"Might I have my wish," said the eldest, " I would marry the
sultan's baker ; I should then every day have the same excellent
bread which is served at the sultan's table !" " I." replied the
second, " would choose the sultan's chief cook : I then, no doubt,
should eat of those nice dishes which he prepares for his master,
nor should I want the royal bread to relish them."

After they had entertained themselves with their wishes, they
called upon their younger sister to name her desires. " I should
wish," said she, " to be wife of the sultan himself, and make him
father of a prince, whose hair should be gold on one side of his
head, and silver on the other : when he cried, the tears should be
pearls; and when he smiled, his vermilion lips should look like a
rose-bud fresh blown." The extravagance of this wish increased
the mirth of the young women. The sultan laughed heartily at it,
and having ordered the vizier to notice the house, and summon the
inhabitants to appear before him at the divan next day, he pursued
his walk.

When they appeared before the sultan, they were so exceedingly
confounded to hear him question them about their conversation the
preceding evening, that they could make him no answer. He told
them that he had heard their wishes, and was determined to gratify
them. Accordingly, he gave the eldest sister to his chief baker, and
the second to his chief cook, for wives; and they were married to
them the same day, with such ceremonies as were suitable to the
quality of their husbands. But the younger sister, who was very
beautiful, was immediately clothed, and attended as became a great
queen ; and the royal nuptials were solemni/.ed with all the rejoic-
ings usual at the marriage of the sultan of Persia.

Before these events, the two eldest sisters would have thought it
great good fortune to have become the wives of the sultan's ser-
vants; yet they now pined with envy at the advancement of their
sister. They joined in an inveterate hate against the sultanoss,
which they agreed to conceal till some opportunity should offer to
ruin her. In the meantime, they each came frequently to pay courr
to her, and always expressed the greatest joy at her exaltation.

The young sultaness really loved her sisters, and had no doubt.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 459

but they returned her love. When she became breeding, they re-
quested she would obtain the sultan's permission for them to per-
form the office of midwife. This the sultan readily granted. The
wicked sisters rejoiced in secret at this appointment ; they laid a
plot as barbarous as it was unnatural ; and when the poor sultan ess
was delivered, they conveyed away the infant and produced a little
dead dog, which they said their sister had brought forth. The
sultan heard the account with great grief, and some resentment
against his wife : which, however, soon gave way to the charms and
good qualities of the sultaness.

The merciless sisters conveyed the child, who was a fine boy, into
a basket, and set it afloat on a stream which ran through the royal
garden. The iutendant of the gardens, who was one of the most
considerable officers of the kingdom, chanced to see the basket,
which he caused to be brought to the shore. He was much sur-
prised to find in it a fine child.

He saw that it came not far from the sultan ess's apartment; but
conceiving it neither his business, nor his interest to search into such
kind of secrets, he contented himself with conveying the infant
home, and as he had no children of his own, he determined to
adopt the little foundling.

The year after, the sultaness was brought to bed of another
prince, whom her vile sisters conveyed as before, and produced a
cat as their sister's offspring. It was with difficulty the sultan pre-
vailed on himself to see his unfortunate w r ife, after this second ac-
cident ; but when, after having again received her to his arms, she
produced a mole which her sisters had substituted in the place of
a beautiful princess the sultan set no bounds to his indignation.
" She is amonstei-," said he, with equal fury and detestation, " and
will fill my palace with monsters. I will rid the world of her.
By the interposition of the vizier, the sultan w r as induced to spare
the life of his unhappy spouse, yet he ordered her to be exposed
three days to public scorn, and then shut up in prison for the rest
of her life.

The two infants- fortunately fell into the same humane hands
which had preserved their brother. The intendant named the
eldest Prince Bahman ; the other Perviz ; and the princess Parizade.
He regarded them as children sent to him by Providence ; he at-
tached himself to them entirely : he watched over their rising years
with the solicitude of a real parent, and when he died, which wae

460 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

not till they had nearly arrived at maturity, he left them his whole
fortune; and they lamented him with a duty and affection truly
filial.

The fortune they inherited from their foster father, enabled the
princes and their sister to live together very comfortably. They
passed their time wholly at a country residence, which he had
fitted up in a handsome style. The princes devoted many of their
hours to hunting; while Parizade cultivated, by turns, elegant
amusements, and domestic employment.

As there was no mosque in the neighborhood, the intendant had
fitted up an oratory in the house. One day when the princes were
engaged in their sport, an old woman, who professed public and
extraordinary piety, came to the gate, and desired leave to go in
and say her prayers, it being then the hour of public worship.
She wag admitted, and when she had finished her devotions, was
introduced to the princess.

Parizade received her with great kindness ; commending her piety,
and asking her many questions respecting her way of life. Along
conversation ensued, in the course of which, the princess casually
asked her how she liked the house. '< It is in everything delight-
ful,' 7 replied the devotee; "and wants but three things, that I
know of, to be absolutely complete." " I conjure you, my good
mother," said the princess, " to tell me what those things are I''
"Madam," answered the old woman, "the first is a talking bird
who not only can talk and reason like us, but as a bird can call all
the singing birds in his neighborhood to come and join in his song.
The second is the singing tree, the leaves of which are so many
mouths, which form a most harmonious concert. The third is the
yellow water, a small quantity of which being put into a basin, h'Jls
it, and forms a beautiful fountain, which continually plays without
overflowing. These things are to be obtained all together, at one
place only, on the confines of this kingdom, toward India. Any
one taking the road before your house for twenty days, will find a
person who can direct him to the place where they may be found. "
Having said this, she arose and bade the princess farewell.

This conversation had a great effect on Parizade ; she entertain-
ed the most eager desire to obtain these curiosities. She was
musing on the conversation with the old woman, when her brothers
returned, and wondered to see her pensive and melancholy. They
inquired eagerly what it was that afflicted her. It was a

ENT ERT AINMENTS. 461

time before the princess would explain the mystery ; but, at last,
overborne by their importunities, she told them what had passed,
and owned that her desire to be mistress of the talking bird, the
singing tree, and the yellow water, was the cause of her melan-
choly.

The princes both loved their sister with the utmost affection.
Each eagerly offered to go in search of these fine things she so
much longed for. After some contest it was agreed that Prince
Bahman should set off next morning in search of them. When
he was about to mount his horse, he presented a knife to his sister,
saying, " I know not what difficulties, or what delay I may meet
with in this adventure ; but that my dearest sister may not have
unnecessary fears on my account, I present this knife to her.
While the blade of it is clean, you may be assured I am well,
but if ever you find it stained with blood, you may conclude some
fatal accident hath befallen me."

Prince Bahman took the road to India, and on the twentieth day
he saw a dervis-e, sitting under a tree, whose figure attracted his
notice. His hair was as white as snow his mustaches were
long, and with his beard, which reached down to his waist, entirely
hid his mouth He had no clothes, but had an old mat thrown
over his shoulders.

Bahman concluded, from the singularity of this old man's ap-
pearance, that he was the person who was to give information of
the place he was in search of. He alighted, therefore, from his
horse, and saluted the old man.

The dervise returned his salute, but his mustaches hanging
over his lips, the prince could not understand a word he said.
Bahman, vexed at this disappointment, with a pair of scissors cut
away the hair which hung over the old man's mouth, which he
took in good part. After thanking the prince, with a smile, for
the trouble he had taken, he inquired if he could be of any service
to him. " I am come,'' said Bahman, " a long way, in search of
the talking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water. If you
can direct me where they are to be found, you will render me
much service and pleasure."

At these words the old man changed countenance, and said to
the prince, " I can indeed direct you to where these fatal curiosities
are to be found : but I felt a regard for you as soon as I saw you,
which your kindness to me has increased. I entreat you, there

462 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

fore, to cease an inquiry which I am not at liberty to refuse answer
, ing, if you persist, but which I am too sure will end in youi
destruction."

The prince persisting in his resolution, the dervise said, " Young
man, the danger you court is greater than you imagine ; many
gallant gentlemen have I directed in this search, who have all
perished. Your courage or dexterity will avail you nothing ; for
you will be attacked by great numbers, all invisible. How then
can you hope to defend yourself?" " I am not to be intimidated
from my purpose," replied Bahman ; and since you are obliged to
give me the information I require, I demand it of you."

When the dervise saw the prince thus peremptory, he took a
bowl out of the bag that lay by him, and presented it to him, say-
ing, ' Mount your horse, then, rash youth, and throw this on the
ground. Follow it till it comes to the foot of a mountain, where
it will stop. You must then alight, and ascend the mountain on
foot; but be careful not to give way- to fear, or to look behind
you. The instant you do, you will cease to be a man, and will
add one more to the multitude of black atones which you will
see on every side ; all of which were once gentlemen engaged in
the same enterprise. If you reach the summit of the mountain,
you will obtain the curiosities you inquire after.

The prince rejoiced to find he was so near the end of his journey.
Having returned thanks to the dervise, he threw down the bowl,
which rolled on gently before him, till it reached the foot of a
mountain. Bahman prepared to ascend it, but he had not advanced
four steps before he hoard innumerable voices, bursting out as it
seemed from under the earth. Of these, some ridiculed, some
abused, and others threatened him. "Where is that rash youth
going ? What would he have ? Stop him, catch him : ah ! thief,
murderer, villain ! No ! let the fool go on till he is destroyed.
Let pretty master pass, to be sure ; we keep the bird for him no
doubt !" Such, and many other worse expressions assailed him, in
voices calculated to inspire shame, anger, and dismay.

As the prince advanced, the clamor increased, attended with
execrations and threatening^ on all sides. It became at last so
tremendous, that Bahman' s courage and strength failed him: his
legs sunk under him, he reeled, his recollection forsook him, and,
tnrning round to run down the hill, he was at that instant changed
into a black stone.

ENTERTAINMENTS. 403

From the time of Prince Bahman's departure, Parizade had
worn his knife in her girdle ; and many times in a day s-he pulled
it out to know how it fared with her brother. On the fatal day,
when he was thus metamorphosed, as she was talking to her brother
Perviz, she recollected Bahrnan ; and pulling out the knife, she
saw with grief and horror, blood running down to the point of it.
She swooned away at the shocking sight ; and when she was with
difficulty recovered, she broke out in the severest self-reproach for
having engaged a beloved brother in such an unfortunate enter-
prise. And while she blamed her own inordinate desires, she
failed not to execrate the old woman, whose report had led her
into so mischievous an error.

Prince Perviz was greatly afflicted at the fate of his brother. He
was also exceedingly fond of his sister : and perceived that in
the midst of her sorrow, though she lamented the loss of Bahman,
her desire to possess the talking bird, and singing tree, and the
yellow water, was still undiminished. He embraced Parizade with
great affection, and told her that, though Bahman had failed in
search of them, he had a presentiment that he should be more suc-
cessful. He presented her with a necklace consisting of an hun-
dred pearls, and said, " I will set out this instant. While these
pearls continue to run freely, you may be sure I am safe ; but if
ever they remain fixed together, you will then know that I have
shared the same fate as our dear brother."

Parizaide endeavored, by tears and entreaties, to prevent the
prince from attempting so dangerous an undertaking ; but in vain.
He mounted his horse, and on the twentieth day arrived at the
place where the dervise was sitting. He saluted him, and inquired
the way to the curiosities he was seeking. The dervise acquainted
him with the difficulty and danger of the adventure ; pressing him
very earnestly to decline an attempt in which so many had failed.
When he found the prince was determined to go on, he gave him
the same advice and instruction he had given to his brother. Per-
viz returned him thanks, and throwing the bowl on the ground, ho
followed it till he came to the foot of the mountain.

Having alighted, he paused a little while to recollect the in-
structions of the dervise. He then passed through those clamors,
which had overcome Bahman, undismayed ; but as he proceeded
up the mountain, he heard a voice behind him call out in a most
insulting tone, u Stay, rash boy, that I may punish your impudent

464 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

attempt/' Perviz, enraged at such an affront, drew his sword, and
turning round to chastise the insulter, became a stone.

Parizade had the string of pearls continually in her hand, from
the time Perviz set out, and was counting them at the moment he
underwent the transformation. On a sudden she found she could
not separate the pearls. As the princess had resolved what to do,
if such an event should take place, she lost no time in fruitless
grief: but putting on a man's apparel, she mounted a horse, and
took the same road her brothers had done.

On the twentieth day she came to the dervise; who, notwith-
standing her disguise, knew her to be a woman, and gave her such
an account of the difficulty of her attempt, as almost shook her
resolution. She mused a short time; but remembering she had
lost her two brothers in searching after these rarities, she resolved
to succeed, or share in their misfortunes.

Parizade received therefore the bowl from the dervise, and fol-
lowed it to the foot of the mountain. Before she began to ascend
it, she considered, that as the greatest danger arose from noises
and voices, which would endeavor to terrify her ; if she could
shut out these sounds, by stopping her ears, their effect must fail.
Accordingly, she stuffed her ears full of cotton, and then began to
ascend the mountain. She heard indeed a great noise, which in-
creased exceedingly as she advanced, and became at length so loud
that the air and earth seemed to shake with it ; but the precaution
she had taken, shut out distinct sounds, and all she perceived was
>ne confused noise, which no way incommoded her.

Now and then, a single voice louder than the rest, would utter
expressions, of which she could not help catching a few words,
which w r ere very disagreeable to her ; but these she despised, say-
ing to herself, " I mind not what is said. I laugh at it, and shall
pursue my journey."

At last the princess came in sight of the bird. At that instant
one of the cotton plugs fell out of her ear. The threatenings and
execrations, which she now heard distinctly, were terrible. The
bird himself, in a voice more tremendous than all of them, called
out to her to go back, promising at the same time that she should
return in safety. But the sight of the bird animated the courage
of the princess. She pressed forward boldly, till she came to the
top of the mountain, when the noises ceased, and the ground was
level. She ran to the cage and seized it, saying, tl Bird, I have
got thee, in spite of thee. Thou shalt not escape me."

ENTERTAINMENTS. 465

Tho bird in a very handsome manner complimented the prii cess
on her courage and perseverance. " It was my wish," said he,
11 to have continued free ; but as I must be a slave, I had rather
be so to you, brave lady, than to any other. From this instant, I
swear an-entire fidelity to you; and the time is not far off when I
shall do you an essential service. 77

Parizade rejoiced greatly at her success ; for the fatigue and
terror she had undergone, far exceeded what she had expected
from the report of the dervise. As soon as she was a little recov-
ered, she demanded of the biid, where the singing tree and yellow
water were to be found. The bird directed her to both. Tho
princess filled a small silver flagon with the water, and bv tne
advice of the bird, broke off a branch of the singing tree to carry
home with her.

Parizade had now obtained the three things she so much wish-
ed for ; yet she was unhappy. The loss of her brothers sat heavy
at her heart. She applied to the bird to know if it was possible
to dissolve the enchantment. It was with much reluctance that
the bird answered this inquiry ; but the princess was peremptory,
and could not be denied.

" Take, then,' 7 said he, " that little pitcher you see yonder, and
drop some of the water it holds, upon every black stone. The
princess did so ; and when the water fell on the stone, i, vanished,
and a man appeared. The princess took care not to miss a single
stone. She was so happy as to find among them both her brothers,
who joined the other gentlemen in thanking and extolling their
deliverer.

When they came, on their return, to the cave of the dervise,
they found he was dead. In a few days they arrived at home,
when Parizade placed the cage in the garden, and as soon as che
bird began to sing, he was surrounded by a great number of night-
ingales, chaffinches, linaets, and other birds of song, who, uniting
their harmony with his, produced a wonderful effect. She planted
the branch of the singing tree in another p^rt of the garden, when
it immediately took root, and became as large a tree as that from
whence it was gathered, and the leaves produced the same melo-
dious concert. The silver flagon of the yellow water being emp-
tied into a large marble basin, increased directly to such a quail*
tity as entirely to fill it, and form a fine fountain, twenty feet high,
which, while it played very beautifully, dispersed the most agree-
able odors all around it.

466 ARABIAN NIGHTS'

Soon after these events, the sultan of Persia chanced to be h.mt
ing in their neighborhood. The princes also were engaged in thp,
chase. As they knew not the person of the sultan, they joined hid
party without ceremony, and in the course of the hunt, Bahnian
attacked a lion, and Perviz a bear, with so much corn-ago and
agility as greatly pleased the sultan. After the hunt, he conversed
with them, and was stiJl more taken with them. He declared
who he was, and invited the brothers to court. That they might
not forget the engagement, he put threo golden bullets into each of
their bosoms. " When you undress," said he, (t these will fall to
the ground, and their sound will remind you of my invitation."

The princes presented themselves the next day before the sul-
tan, and were received by him with great distinction. Before they
withdrew, they related to him their adventure in search of the
talking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water ; and of their
deliverance through the fortitude of Parizade. The monarch
heard their account with great pleasure : i( I will come to-morrow, J7
said he, " to see these rarities, and converse with your sister, to
whose courage and good conduct you are so much indebted."

When the princes returned home, and told Parizade the sultan's
intention, she consulted her bird as to the manner ir which she
ought to receive him. The bird, after some general advice, de-
sired she would not fail to prepare a dish of cucumbers, stuffed
full of pearls / to be set before the sultan with the first course.
The princess was ainazccf, but the bird persisted in his advice, and
told her that her in what part of the garden she might find a
coffer, full of pearls suited to such a purpose. The princess per-
ceived there was some mystery concealed under this advice. She
caused the gardener io dig in the spot described, and found a gold
box full of pearls. Hence her confidence in the bird was in-
creased, and she was resolved to do as he directed.

The day following, the sultan came to tne house of his unknown
children, and was received by them with all possible respect. He
was more pleased with Parizade than he had been with her bro-
thers, and could not help heaving a sigh when it occurred to him
that he might have been the happy father of three such children
if he had not been so unfortunate in the choice of his sultaness.

After the sultan had reposed, the princess attended him into the
garden, and showed him the singing tree, and the yellow water.
The sultan examined these extraordinary curiosities with great

ENTER TA IXMKNTS. 467

attention and delight. Parizade then conducted him tc a tree,
where the cage of the talking bird was hung. The sultan was
surprised to see such a multitude of other birds on the adjacent
trees, all singing in concert with the talking bird, whose notes
were louder and more musical than any of them. When they
drew near, the princess said, '' My slave, here is the sultan ot
Persia ; pay your compliments to him.' 7 The bird left off singing,
and replied, " God prosper him, and prolong his days." To which
the sultan replied, " Bird, I thank thee and am overjoyed to find
in thee the sultan and king of birds."

At the request of her royal guest, Parizade caused the cage to
be removed into the hall, that he might converse with the bird
during dinner. As soon as they were seated, the sultan took a
cucumber out of the dish, and cutting it, he found it was stuifed
with pearls. He looked with wonder on the princes and their
sister, and was about to ask the meaning of the mystery, when
the bird called out, u Can your majesty wonder to see a cucumber
stuffed with pearls, and yet could believe that your sultaness was
delivered of a dog, a cat, and a mole ? Credulous man ! how
have you abused your unfortunate wife, who has fallen a sacrifice
to the envy of her wicked sisters ! These three young people are
your children. Their lives were preserved by the intcndant of
your gardens ; and their many virtues, and great acccomplishments,
will make the remainder of your days more happy than you de-
serve. 7 '

This discourse of the bird excited a variety of passions in the
breast of the sultan ; pity for his unhappy consort, rage against
her vile sisters, wonder at the strange and singular means of dis-
covering their guilt, by turns possessed him. All these ideas soon
gave way, for a time, to the feeiings of paternal love; he embraced
the princes and their sister, with the utmost tenderness : and with
tears of joy, owned them for his children, and heirs of his crown.

When the sultan returned to his palace, he gave orders for the
disters of the sultaness to be brought before him. As so many
years had pas-sod over without suspicion, these women had long
thought themselves secure, and rejoiced in the success of their
malicious wickedness. They were astonished at being charged
with crimes, which could not have been discovered now by any
ordinary means. Their guilt and terror confounded them ; they
made ample confession; and the sultan ordered them immediately
to be put to death.

468 ARABIAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.

Kosrouschah caused his much injured wife to be set at libertv ,
and having informed her of all that happened, he ordered their
children to be introduced to her. These events made the poor sul-
taness some amends for her long and dismal confinement. The jov
of the sultan was inexpressible, and the rejoicings which followed
all over the kingdom, showed that the people were highly inter-
ested in a discovery, which was so satisfactory to their sovereign.

CONCLUSION.

The suitan of the Indies could not but admire the memory of
his sultaness, who had now for a thousand and one nights, enter-
tained him with these agreeable stories. Her beauty, her courage,
her patriotism in exposing her life to his unreasonable revenge, had
long since obtained for her the possession of his heart. He deter-
mined to renounce a vow so unworthy of him ; and summoning
his council, he declared to them his resolution, and ordered the
sultaness to be considered as the deliverer of the many virgins,
who, but for her, would have been sacrificed to his unjust resent-
ment.

The news of his happy event soon spread abroad, and gained
the charming Scheherazade the blessings of all the large empire
of the Indies.

THK EWT

The thousand and one PJ
nights. ^5